R+D Kitchen, Santa Monica

R+D Kitchen
1323 Montana Ave, Santa Monica

Had brunch today at the R+D kitchen in the wealthy part of Santa Monica, up on Montana Ave.
This is Pilates/2 kids/Lexus SUV territory, but very nice if babywear shops selling $300 hoodies don’t freak you out.
When I walked in the vibe seemed kind of familiar, and I guessed it was somehow related to the excellent Houston’s chain, and it turns out it is.

Some people won’t go to a chain restaurant out of principle, but any Hillstone Group place is definitely worth a visit. The service will be good, the interior design warm but functional, and the food WAY above average. What they have done is take the food quality and ambience of a good Pacific Brasserie and replicate it perfectly in multiple locations. Not an easy thing to do.

Had a terrific spinach omelette with walnut potato salad and toast, but the highlight was a hot chocolate made by the gentleman above. The key: not too large. Some places think you need a small lake of a latte or hot choc, but here it was perfectly sized and not too sweet. It was a bright, shivery day, so suited the afternoon perfectly.

Also, the bathrooms are kind of cool – jet black with separate private entrances. They’re also big enough for an entire table to be doing lines together, or for a decent 3 way. I’m guessing that might be happening here of a Friday night.

Recommended.

Above: The kitchen is open to the dining room

VIBE: Earn over $200k and be cool about it

SPORTS: Yes, but no sound

FOOD: Good

MUSIC: As you’d expect. 80s indie tunes done as Bossa Nova by that French outfit I can never remember the name of, and light jazz.

PRICE: $80 inc tip for 3 people.

STAR FUCKER LEVEL: Green. While I was there Jon Favreau (Swingers/director Iron Man) arrived with daughter and two producers. MUCH taller than you’d think with a huge head.

" I told you Vince, no fucking cameo in Iron Man 2, ok?"

Gelsons, Santa Monica Blvd

Tucked away off Santa Monica near Kings Road is my favourite supermarket, Gelsons.
If a supermarket can be said to be unassuming from the road, then this is it. I drove past it for a year before realising it WAS a supermarket.
Why is it my favourite? Its Teriyaki Grilling Sauce.

There is nothing, repeat, NOTHING that doesn’t taste better with this stuff on it. Its $3.70 of instant yummy.
They also stock the Italian premade Polenta, which is a lot easier to deal with, and yep, also tastes better grilled with the sauce above. 🙂

Late night at Famima

Famima is a godsend. its a 24hr newsagent/Pret or NY corner deli with a heavy Japanese design vibe.

Along with all the usual crisps and cola, they have these great small snacks like hot dumplings, sausage pasta and French Toast sticks (!!). So, um, pigged out a bit.
We have one near the office, and the other one I know of is on 3rd St Santa Monica.
When gas was extremely expensive I saw a big future for these guys. But now that it may end being close to free by next year the US will stay in its drive-thru ways.
I really hope these guys survive.

Wow, 2 turkey sandwiches. Really?