YUMMY CUPCAKES - Santa Monica

Yummy Cupcakes is located on Wilshire Boulevard, one-half block from the infamous Third Street Promenade. This location's walls have a variety of bold white & pink stripes or brown & pink stripes. Large photographs featuring their delectable cupcakes adorn the walls. The very high ceilings make the space seem much larger than it is. The very friendly counter staff is eager to tell you their favorites - no sampling! :(

There is a monthly flavor calender offering 16 flavors available all month, plus an additional 5 daily flavors. Yummy Cupcakes also offers vegan and sugar-free creations.

I had the "Red Velvet Cocoa" with cream cheese frosting and a "Peanut Butter Cup" with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Both cupcakes were extremely moist with deep rich flavors and an abundance of frosting. Their use of high quality ingredients is very evident. Simply decadent!

One of my favorites was "missing" from the menu - large muffin tops. Hint, hint...

In addition to this location, there is a Yummy Cupcake in Burbank and another soon to open in Brentwood.

Run, don't walk to get your handful of heaven!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

$

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

SNUG HARBOR - Santa Monica

Snug Harbor opened in 1941 on Wilshire Boulevard. This diner has change hands only 3 times since it inception, the last time was in the 90's. This cozy eatery has a soda fountain-like service counter with 10 single seats and 5 booths in the dining room. My friends, Richard & Roberta, and I chose to sit in their small garden area with 5 umbrella-covered tables. Varying shades of green are the colours du jour throughout the relaxing garden and dining room.

Alejandro's huge personality & speedy service was most appreciated. Following his recommendation, I had "Angie's Yum Yum Chicken Breast" sandwich. This sandwich was added to the menu when it last changed hands at the request of the current owner's daughter. This amazing sandwich has a large grilled chicken breast, 1000 Island dressing, pepper jack cheese, sliced tomato, & basil leaves. The slices of sourdough bread holding this sandwich together were buttered, sprinkled with bits of garlic and grilled creating a crunchy crust. A mound of the most incredible, crispy, sweet potato fries completed this delicious lunch plate!

After living in or visiting Santa Monica for 25+ years, I am surprised to have made my first visit to this little neighborhood gem - only 15 blocks from my former residence. Snug Harbor will definitely be a stop on my next visit to Santa Monica.

Bring extra napkins!

Mmm... Mmm...


$

++++

&&&

Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

HOUSTON'S - Santa Monica

Houston’s is located on Wilshire & 2nd, 1 block from the vibrant Third Street Promenade. Downtown Santa Monica is a 30-block area of an amazing assortment entertainment, dining and retail options. The infamous Third Street Promenade buzzes with energy from sunrise to well past sunset. Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier (built in 1909 – the carousel was added in 1922) are a few blocks west of the Promenade.

After a several hours of walking around Santa Monica, my dear friends, Roberta & Richard, and I felt we had “earned” some beverages and a late lunch. We were immediately seated in Houston’s large 1st floor dining room with beautiful exposed brick walls, burnished brass, wood accents, high open ceiling and an open staircase taking you to the 2nd level with a sushi bar and more seating. The open 2nd level feels as if it is suspended over the very comfortable 1st floor dining room and bar. Houston’s features a menu of classics with a slight twist, focusing on local growers and high quality ingredients. I am generally not a fan of chain restaurants but Houston’s excels!

We started with grilled artichokes – these large split artichokes are first steamed then grilled over a hardwood fire. These smoky artichokes were exceptional by themselves with just a sprinkle of salt. The side condiment was a delicious remoulade of mayo, garlic, green onion, and red pepper flakes. We agreed… a fantastic combination!

For lunch, I selected the Thai Steak & Noodle Salad. This exciting salad explodes with flavor. The steak is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, black pepper and canola oil. Split roma tomatoes, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh mint and cilantro, avocado, roasted peanuts, mango, chilled poncit noodles, and a sprinkling of mixed greens are tossed in a spicy Thai dressing. The subtle heat from the salad dressing is the perfect compliment to the very tender slices of steak, avocado and mango. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for the beef. Poncit noodles (often made of rice) are similar to vermicelli noodles.

Houston’s scores major points with me for their “No cell phones in the dining room” policy clearly printed in their menu! I have found subtle signs requesting all cell phone conversation be finished before entering numerous retail & dining establishments across Southern California. I really enjoy not having to listen to someone’s one-sided conversation about a problem at work, last night’s bad date or a family argument.

Our server, Nikki, could not have been friendlier and more attentive. She knew the menu and when to come to our table & when to let us continue chatting. The staff, the food, the restaurant/bar guests – delicious!

http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/HOUSTONS/

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

$$
++++
✦✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

THE COUNTER - Santa Monica

THE COUNTER is one of three “burger joints” in the US nominated for the Best Burger award from The Food Network. This loud, energetic café is “hidden” on Ocean Park Boulevard. It did not did win the top award, but it gets my vote.

The Counter offers a checklist menu with steps 1-5, allowing you great creativity in building the burger of your dreams.

My lunch companion & dear friend, Roberta, and I had fried dill pickles as a starter. Yumm. The tart pickles were lightly breaded and deep fried. These tasty bits are very hot. I am not complaining, but be warned. Let the pickles cool for a minute to two before you quickly devour them.

I built a 1/3 lb beef burger with horseradish cheddar, pepperoncinis, sprouts, carrot strings topped with a fantastic peppercorn steak sauce. This mouthful was served on a honey wheat bun. My burger was cooked perfectly, slightly charred edges and a touch of pink in the center. Delicious!

You can choose beef, turkey, veggie or grilled chicken as the base to your burger. If this isn’t enough, you can choose between 1/3 lb, 2/3 lb, or a full 1 lb of “meat.”

I recommend skipping the horseradish cheddar, not enough zing for me. I would prefer fresh horseradish. There are 8 other cheeses on the menu for your selection.

On my next visit, I will be certain to choose one of the many shakes on the menu and the sweet potato fries.

Mmm, Mmm

http://www.thecounterburger.com

$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”