The Yard

After a long day shopping down 3rd Street Promenade [and Santa Monica Place!], you deserve a good, satisfying meal. I'm going to recommend for you to try The Yard, Chris Jacobson's three-year old baby. Yes, CJ from Top Chef. He has created an American-style restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica serving upscale comfort plates full of seasonal, fresh, quality produce. It's kind of known as the "neighborhood gastropub." If you know me, I'm not so into the booze but I did notice that they have quite the extensive selection... So if you're feeling small plates, entree portions, a quick drink -or 3-, or even a few creative desserts, you now know to hit up The Yard :)

Buratta Caprese

Farmer's Market Salad

Mini Pulled Pork Chuckers

Sliders

Sweet Potato Fries... Like we needed more fries!

Fish Tacos

Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert

Imperial No. 9

I bet you my Monday night in New York was better than yours ;)

I had such a fun dinner with Marisa and Christine at Imperial No. 9. It's Sam Talbot's -of Top Chef fame- restaurant at the Mondrian in SoHo. On the website, it's called a "sustainable seafood concept", so let's go with that. That being said, we did order some beef and chicken which was really delicious too. Be prepared to share, as the dishes are quite large if you want to try a few things. It's such a beautiful space; we were lucky to get seated in the greenhouse atrium so that made it even better. Check out the website [here] to get better pics of the place!

Funny Ordering Story

P: We don't really know how to order, so we just picked 2 things each, and you tell us what you think

Waiter: Sure, go right ahead

M: We want a,b,c,d,e,f,g

Waiter: Um, that's too much for you ladies

M: Ok - we'll get that then!