STELLA ROSSA PIZZA BAR

Everyone has their favorite pizza spot in Los Angeles but if you ever find yourself in Santa Monica I highly recommend giving Stella Rossa a try.  The food is scrumptious, the staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable and the overall vibe reminds me of something you would find in NYC.  Since there aren’t many tables and reservations are not accepted (for parties under 6)  I suggest getting there before 8pm or after 9:30pm when the crowds are lighter.  Take a peek below at what we ordered.

Italian Chopped Salad

Margherita Pizza

Shaved Mushroom & Fennel Bianco Pizza

Quick Tip:  If you want to order one pizza but can’t decide which pie it should be, the staff happily allows you to do a half & half. 


Buen Provecho!

BAY CITIES DELI

After all the hype I have heard about this place I was excited to try Bay Cities.  Not the worst nor the best sandwich I have ever had.  Definitely not worth the 30 minute ordering wait time.  I can say this spot was pretty disappointing. 

Meh!

Quick Tip:  If you want to get in and out quickly, grab a pre-made Godmother sandwich at the counter.  

BASIX CAFE



Owned by the same team who brought you Marix, I feel this place is best for breakfast or brunch.  Nothing on the menu jumped out at me so I picked the Basix Scramble (chicken sausage, spinach, onions & cheddar cheese) and Ann had the Mexican scramble ( salsa, black beans, cheddar cheese).  Both were ok but I think I’ll continue my quest for the perfect breakfast.


Buen Provecho!

FRIDA
Not the most authentic Mexican food I’ve had in Los Angeles.  Portions are fairly large so I suggest sharing.  My friend Keema and I split the burrito with mole sauce.  Ok in flavor but I don't think any burrito should cost more than $7 and this one ran us $13. 

I recommend visiting on Monday or Tuesday to take advantage of Crazy Monday or Taco Tuesday!

Quick Tip:  If sharing make sure you’re aware of the $3 split charge.


Buen Provecho!

HOOK BURGER

While on the way to stop at my newest guilty pleasure (Nordstrom Rack) my friend Keema and I stumbled upon a new joint located in the Empire Center Shopping Center called Hook Burger.  The line was out the door when we arrived but moved fairly quickly.  Once we were inside I really enjoyed the modern decor as well as the fact they had IPA on tap...  Although I didn't  have any libations this time I will definitely return someday for happy hour.


Being a little more carb conscious these days,  I chose the inside out Prime Burger which means no bun. Very simple but packed with flavor. Keema found her Maui Burger super juicy and loved the crispy fries.  I can confidently say we'll be back soon with a larger group.


Quick Tip:  Make sure to arrive before noon of after one to beat the lunch crowd.


Buen Provecho!

HUGO'S WEST HOLLYWOOD

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a restaurant that focuses on healthy meal choices.  Whenever I’m in the mood for unique, fresh ingredients I head to Hugo’s in West Hollywood.  During my recent visit I tried the Kelp Noodle Salad Bowl and Ann chose the Hugo Burger.  My dish was not something I would normally order but super delicious nonetheless.  Overall, I found it to be light and full of tasty greens.  What more could you ask for?  Ann’s meal was pretty straight forward and the burger was cooked nicely.  

We will definitely be back soon!


Quick Tip:  Be careful when adding onto your meal.  I added steak and it cost $9


Buen Provecho!

Quick Tip:  Be careful when adding onto your meal.  I added steak and it cost $9.

SUGARFISH


Another of my favorite sushi restaurants is Sugarfish.  With four locations in Los Angeles, Ann and I often visit the Brentwood venue.  While the space doesn't look special from the outside, the quality of sushi served here is hard to beat.   Using a no frills approach, each bite explodes with flavor and will have you craving more.  For the first visit I highly recommend ordering one of the following combination options.  They each come with a variety of delicious sushi.  

1. Trust Me Lite
2. Trust Me 
3. The Nozawa (this one is enough to feed two)

Quick Tip:  Sugarfish will be participating in dine LA January 22-27 & January 29-February 3.  Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity.


Buen Provecho!