Sam’s By The Beach
* or any other day, for that matter.
"We can go to a movie. We can have lunch. We can go to a museum. Any other ideas?" -- Wondering in Beverly Hills
Dear Wondering,
Wonder no further and wander a bit west.
Amici Brentwood 2538 San Vicente Blvd.
Santa Monica, Ca. 90402
310 260 4900
Amici Trattoria 469 N. Doheny Drive
Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210
310 858 0271
There’s Italian, and then there’s Amici.
Amici has become one of our favorite restaurants. The food certainly stands above most of the Italian restaurants in Los Angeles and host/owner, the incomparable Tancredi De Luca, really sets the tone (and lets face it, a host can make all the difference at any restaurant…how many times has a nasty host or bitchy owner set the tenor for an unpleasant dining experience?). The strikingly handsome Tancredi is one of the most welcoming restaurateurs in our fair city. He cut his teeth at Toscana in Brentwood years ago and took that knowledge and embellished upon it with the creation of his Amici dining establishments.
We personally prefer the old brick Brentwood location, as the tables are not as crowded as the Beverly Hills locale. We always start our repast with any one of three or four choices of soup. In the summer we prefer the superb chilled tomato soup, which is thick and slightly creamy, but you can enjoy this fresh tomato potage with basil tips ($6.95), all year around. The pasta fagioli never disappoints.
At Amici in Brentwood it's all about white truffles; we’ve tried truffles at many restaurants but Amici’s truffles from Umbria, shipped directly from Alba, Italy are the most strong and flavorful ones we’ve encountered, and it’s probably due to the fact that our host is not afraid to spend the $3,400 per pound for the best selection (truffles only last for about a week, so this is a big gamble for a restaurateur). Our favorite truffle dish is Fettuccini topped with approximately seven ounces of truffles ($110), a bit spendy, but so worth every mouthwatering morsel.
Both locations offer the best Turkey Lasagna we have had the opportunity to savor at a very reasonable $14.95, and there's a giant plate full of the stuff. It is the perfect combination of turkey ragout and delicately spiced tomato sauce. Scott, who does not eat red meat, particularly loves this dish and rates it a 10 compared to other locals. If you’re in the mood for something tangy, we love their Rigatoni with chicken sausage ($14.50), which has a conglomeration of spices and is swept to the table at exactly the right temperature. As restaurants these days look to improve their bottom line by substituting farm-raised salmon for the wild variety, Amici still serves Wild Salmon that is superb, served over a bed of lentils, and priced very well at $21.95.
Although it’s not de rigeur, it is commonplace for Tancredi to send over some freshly made chocolate chip cookies and biscottis with warm chocolate sauce at no extra charge (and they are good, but they're no "Scott's Dots").
If that's not your thing, make certain to try the Hazelnut Semi Fredo, a exceedingly rich blend of hazelnut, butter and cream, a true Italian dessert ($8.95) which always makes the Duo dance the Tarantella.
A dear friend of ours is a co-owner of one of the better Italian restaurants in town, and yet nearly every time we’re at Amici, we see her enjoying another wonderful meal here too. Free food at her place, or fabulous food at Amici; you do the math.
(Dishes and prices may vary slightly at each location)
Scarboni’s
312 Wilshire Bl
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
310 393 2288
The Scene: New York style steak house
Cuisine: Steak & lobster
Must Try: Lobster Club and Bloody Mary
Star Rating: 2.75
Best Dish: Any steak
Sometimes there are restaurants that you just want to love and Scarboni is one of those places. From the moment co-owner Tommy Saboni (formerly the General Manager of the Palm in West Hollywood) welcomes you, you feel like you have arrived at an Italian friend’s home. Scarboni is new to the game, and not perfect yet, so this warm treatment caused us to be more forgiving of growing pains. That being said, almost everything we tasted was delicious and there was plenty of it.
Scarboni’s is located right off the ho-hum of the Third Street Promenade and is an unexpected treat for the area. If you are desirous of being in New York while at the beach, Scarboni’s is the place and when inside you feel like you’re in Manhattan, but without the foul weather, grey sleet and crowded streets.
Tommy is trying to draw in new business so he’s offering an Executive VIP Lunch Club which gives you a 30 percent discount on all food items. Speaking of, we savored the Lobster Club Sandwich, literally loaded with fresh lobster and served on a flawlessly toasted brioche, a bargain at $16 (less 30%, if you’re in the club). Michael’s dad lives in Maine so he knows about Lobster, and Scarboni’s saves you the 5 hour flight (and security check). We would suggest, however, avoiding the Chicken Marsala at $18 because it did not have enough chicken and was weak on the Marsala preparation. If you want to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with the Scarboni burger, expertly prepared with tasty and quality meat (and the Dining Duo knows about quality meat), and loaded with delicious fries at $12.
We particularly enjoyed dinner, as there was a lively and nice crowd, back dropped by that comfy atmosphere. We tried various Steaks (well, Michael did) and sampled the lobster (well, Scott did) and all proved to be quality. It was like going to the Palm, without the wait, or the attitude. Michael particularly enjoyed the rib eye which arrived exactly as he had ordered it ($40) and we highly recommend the blackened Salmon (even though it was not wild….tsk, tsk) which was scrumptious, a terrific blend of spice and very fresh fish. We advise you accompany any dish with Brussel Sprouts Scarboni, (Scott said “yuck” at the concept, but he took it back when he tasted it), they are a specialty and certainly worth trying. Dipped in batter and smothered in garlic (hey, isn’t that the same as escargot?), it was yum; be brave and get it.
A friend enjoyed the Steak Fromage (that means “cheese” in French, as opposed to “Frottage”, which has an entirely different take) at $46, and said it is smothered with Roquefort, creating a delicious blend of flavors. If you’re hungry, the Veal Parmesan at $26 has always been Michael’s favorite dish at the Palm, Tommy’s old haunt; poor little lamb (or does veal come from a duck? Who knows, but Michael said it’s fabulous).
Be sure and save room for dessert because the classic New York Cheese Cake and the Chocolate Mouse cake are worth each and every calorie. Scarboni’s has just opened for Sunday lunch and we’re looking forward to trying out their fare, which includes the Roast Beef Hash and Eggs and one of the best Bloody Mary’s in LA.
Okay, so it’s a schlep to the beach, but aren’t good food, good service and Italian muscle worth it?
The Orchid
119 Broadway
Santa Monica, Ca. 90402
310 395 6037
Cuisine: Traditional Thai
The Scene: Storefront Chic
Must Try: Chaink Kai-Thai Mixed Drink
Star Rating: 3 of 4
Average Cost: $19-$27 Entrees
Sawadee Kap…Hello Santa Monica! One does not expect much from the restaurants surrounding the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (except for, maybe, Jiraffe) but every now and then there’s a little gem. Michael was on the treadmill one day at the gym and met strikingly beautiful Toy from Thailand who told him that she had opened a chic new spot that offered the unusual combination of true Thai food and a pleasant ambience just off the hustle and bustle of the promenade. On our multiple visits, we had to agree and found the staff warm and charming, especially the good-looking host James and the handsome bartender Eric.
Toy worked for her brother in Bangkok creating a high-end restaurant, and imported the recipes and acumen to L.A. She had the wisdom to hire Eric--who also spent a few years working in the Bangkok bar scene--to designed the extensive exciting and extravagant bar menu; there is an active happy hour from 5 PM- 7 PM,, Monday-Friday, which is just perfect to “Thai one on”. Whether you sit at the bar or at a table in this simply lavender appointed storefront space, don’t miss out on our favorite drink, Chaing Kai-Thai, delivered flaming (unlike Eric but perhaps like some of the patrons), it is a perfect combination of Parrot Bay Mango & Pineapple, lime and 151 rum. The TKO was also yum as it packed a smart Muay Thai punch with Captain Morgan Spiced rum, shaved fresh ginger, lemon ginger, ginko-biloba, ginseng and royal jelly. All the drinks were served at a refreshing $10 each.
Don’t think that because the drinks excel, that the food is secondary. You will definitely notice Thai patrons (always a great sign) and everything we tasted was more mouth-watering than the next. The Tom Kah Gai, a Thai staple composed of spicy lemongrass-lime, galangal soup with coconut milk and plenty of chicken, is something we always order and at $7.00, we can’t say we have ever tasted one better prepared, exacting the correct amount of spices, chicken and coconut milk.
The Pineapple fried rice with a yellow curry flavor mixed with sweet Chinese sausage is surprisingly light and scrumptious and is available with Chicken at $12.00 or Shrimp at $16.00. A Thai meal wouldn’t be complete without noodles, and the Pad-Thai Noodles with rock shrimp offered up some of the best we’ve tasted. These pan-fried rice noodles are blended with tofu, bean sprouts, onions, egg and peanuts and is a Thai dish made to perfection. An unexpected surprise and one of the more expensive items on the menu is the seared Black Cod with sweet fresh mango at $22.00. James recommended it and we were thrilled he did. It isn’t something to order if you’re very hungry as the portions on this dish are conservative, but coupled with sautéed spinach it is one of the most healthy items on the menu and just wonderful to boot.
After dinner, walk around the corner and take a stroll on the 3rd street promenade; stop by our favorite jewelry store extraordinaire, Rafinity (where we purchased one of our wedding rings) and say hi to the muscle-shredded Rafi and his beautiful hottie Ann. Back outside and over the din of the undulating nightlife, if you close your eyes, you may just think you’re on Patpong Road in Bangkok where all you have to do is imagine the possibilities.
Sam's By The Beach
108 W. Channel Road
Santa Monica, CA 90402
310-230-9100
“Sam’s By The Beach” is one of our longtime favorite places to go when you come home from work and just want to kick back and have a great meal. Since we moved from living at the beach in Santa Monica, it has been quite some time since we’ve revisited our old haunt, and we found it to be even better than we had remembered!
Once known as “The Canyon Bistro” in its previous life, this cozy neighborhood eatery opened about eight years ago; when the proprietor, Samer (“Sam”) Elias gave it a face life, he renamed it, “ Sam’s”. When we lived in the neighborhood, there were a variety of choices up and down the street; this warm and unpretentious venue quickly became our “commissary”. After our most recent meals, we remember with great affection why we loved coming here. Just driving up to the valet, one is immediately soothed by the sea scented ocean air.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly welcomed back by the unmistakably handsome and charming Sam, as if we were returning to an old friend’s home after a much-noted absence. Michael was rushed a perfectly spiced Bloody Mary (his usual), and we snuggled into our favorite faux animal skin booth. A quick glance around the room fills your senses with the feeling that this place has been around for more than five minutes (which is usually not the case in L.A.). The room is warm and inviting, as if in a European café with snow coming down outside. The distressed and highly shined old wood floors are surrounded by foiled walls, mirrors draped with miles of thick fabric, myriad fluffy pillows, and candles and exotic Middle Eastern lanterns casting playful shadows around the room.
With a full bar to choose from, Scott settled in on a petite Syrah from 4 Vine Vineyards ($38 a bottle) and we started with Sam’s Trio, a sampler dish of Hummus, Taboule and Babaganouch, served with pita bread. Is “divine” to strong of a word? A previous visit solidified our pick for another starter, the Blue “fin” tartar, which is a conglomeration of fresh ahi Tuna mixed with parsley, homemade chili paste, olive oil and a “secret ingredient” Don’t bother asking Sam about that secret ingredient, as it comes from his childhood in Syria.
And don’t fill up on starters, as the rest of the menu is equally as intriguing. Sam personally goes each morning to the downtown markets, skillfully choosing only the finest ingredients for his fare. The Grilled New York Steak with a Roquefort and wine sauce with hand cut Kennebunk French fried potatoes is exceptional. All the dishes are cooked with an Eastern Mediterranean emphasis, making his signature dish, the Australian lamb, beyond taste description. Braised for six hours with vegetables and exotic herbs, it is served with watercress and French fries. Another lamb dish was cooked in a Dijon mustard seed sauce and was served with golden beats and carrot soufflé. Simply Delicious.
Don’t forget to save room to end your meal with Sam’s Chocolate mouse, which always seems to trump the competition. The hazelnut chocolate bread pudding is equally scrumptious, and the Bird Nest (shredded phyllo dough topped with milk custard and pistachio in a rose water syrup) is one of the most unique finale’s we’ve tasted. If you twist his arm (not very hard) he’ll make you white peaches simmered in white wine, served with homemade pistachio gelato. And make sure to ask for the “off the menu” chamomile tea….a concoction of brewed rose buds and handpicked chamomile flowers direct from his grandmother’s farm in Cyprus.
The service is always wonderful and personalized. Sam is so accommodating that if you live nearby he will offer extraordinary take out service including china (on loan, of course). Prices for entrees range from 18.95-24.95 and they are open every night except Monday. Every other month on Thursday’s a wine paired dinner is presented. This comfy and unique locale accommodates private parties of 30 to 70 folks. The private patio in the back accommodates small intimate wine dinners in the evenings, and kids menus and pizzas on Sundays.
Chez Mimi
246 Twenty Sixth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
310. 393-0558
“Chez Mimi” is the life-long creation of the consummate restaurateur, Micheline Hebert, and it’s only a short drive to Santa Monica, just across the border from Brentwood. Surprisingly hidden behind the traffic of 26th Street, an ornate wrought-iron gate leads you into an old brick courtyard and series of cottages straight from the countryside of France. Ivy covered walls and trickling fountains complement the aroma of scented firewood burning in the various fireplaces. Classic French doors lead to low beamed ceilings and cozy rooms that feel as if you’ve been instantly transported to another, less chaotic and romantic world.
Mademoiselle Micheline was brought to Los Angeles ages ago as a cook and nanny for a famous French Canadian chanteuse. During her two-year employment, the rich and famous begged her to cook for them, and when her employer went back to Canada, “Mimi” stayed on and created “Chez Helene”, the predecessor of Chez Mimi. Beautiful and robust, her name on the restaurant is appropriate in that everything this place exudes is as a result of her exquisite omnipresence. Proudly always earning a well deserved “A”, Mimi ensures that every detail of your service and meal are executed with perfection. In fact, Mimi’s desk is in the kitchen, so she is sure to be aware of everything.
Over a candle-lit table with a spray of delicate flowers, make sure to enjoy the Pate de fois maison (fois gras) and the bisque de tomate. We have eaten at restaurants all over the world, and Mimi’s French onion soup is the best we’ve ever tasted. She confides in us that her secret lies in the fact that she adds beer to her recipe, but she won’t tell us what else causes the gruyere laden masterpiece to stand out amongst the crowd.
As the fireplace crackles and your hand reaches over to your mates, break free long enough to order one of the many mouth-watering sensational entrees such as the Leg of lamb with herbs de Provence, Fresh trout with almonds or the homemade spinach and ricotta raviolis, served with tomato basil sauce. The bouillabaisse is authentically fantastic, served as a rich fish stock with lobster tail, large shrimp, clams, fish served with rouille and a side of toast. What would a French restaurant be without it’s duck, and Mimi prepares the breast with black cherry sauce that is to die for, along with a side of wild rice. The simple elegance of her dishes compliments the country aesthetics of the environment, all lending a helping hand in furthering your romantic interludes!
And if you think your lover is sweet enough, think twice as the desserts are divine! We particularly adore Mimi’s homemade Gateau au chocolate, which is adorned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of cream. It’s not for the abdominally conscious, but it will send your taste buds into overdrive. The crème brulee never disappoints and the lemon pie is fab. If keeping your figure for post date-night encounters is a must, she even serves up a Monte Carlo cheesecake, which is low calorie and low fat.
But the sweetest part of the evening is the chance to give Mimi a kiss on both cheeks and thank her for crafting an evening you will always remember. Some things never change, and we’re grateful for the always consistent, always wonderful, always enchanting “Chez Mimi”.
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Michael H. Epstein & Scott E. Schwimer take on the food & Hotel scene around the globe. Lovers of food, life & each other, who knows more about luxury hotels & the restaurant scene than two partners who eat out 21 meals a week for 28 years together? Look for them at the best restaurants & resorts on the planet. > More about the Dining Duo |
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