Huckleberry

Ever since Huckleberry recently opened, I always noticed their signage as I drove along Wilshire in Santa Monica. I had been wanting to try the new spot and the opportunity arose when my parents asked for, "You know, a sandwich-soup-salad cafe sort of place." Perfect. This artisan bakery/cafe/catering concept would be a great place for a nice lunch out!

It's very casual, and not so spacious inside. Communal table seating and ordering at the counter is their style. Only open for breakfast and lunch, the smell of fresh-baked carbs is enough to lure in customers who keep the place hustling and bustling. I believe their specialties are the enticing array of baked breads, pastries, muffins, tarts, bars, cupcakes, pies, mousses - you name it! They also do the light, casual lunch; colorful salads, sandwich creations and warm soups. My parents, Jon and myself shared quite the rainbow of a salad trio (beets + kale + couscous) and the tender pulled pork sandwich. One thing I thought was unique was the filtered water they provided for dine-in patrons in tall glass jars. Hey, it saves you from buying bottled.

This is another place where the menu is primarily driven by locally-sourced market fresh ingredients. The owners, in fact, are local too! Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb were born and raised in Santa Monica. For more info on them - and the Cafe - check out the Cafe's website. Since Jon played official photog for lunch check out the photos from his schhweeet-ass camera.