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

...More Graduation 2011

Speaking of graduation... I've known this "little one" since she was lugging boxes into her freshman dorm 4 years ago. Being her grand-big [wow that makes me sound old] throughout college was so much fun; like hanging out with a little sister I never had. Countless late nights, baking sessions, foodie adventures, mojitos and more... Anyways, not so little now, she's stepping into the real world. Don't get in her way, Steph knows what she wants and she will get it. Love you.

P & S

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PICS FROM OUR BREAKFAST @ HUCKLEBERRY LAST MONTH

GRAD 2011

Long overdue...

CONGRADS to my brother Christopher! You made it... Now show the world what you got - get 'em!

Ceremony at Pepperdine University, Malibu CA

Brunch celebration at Shutters, Santa Monica CA

Upper West

"Upper West is Santa Monica's newest dining destination, serving modern American cuisine that's as familiar and comforting as it is original and inventive."

Burrata Caprese - creamy burrata cheese, green apple-blackberry panzanella, blistered tomato, basil, chamomile salt

Ahi Tuna Crispy Tacos - sushi grade ahi tuna loin, crispy plantain shell, rice crackers, sprouts, orange-chipotle vinaigrette, jicama-cucumber salsa

Roasted Veggie - yellow squash, zucchini, artichokes, tomato roasted pepper relish, mozzarella, toasted focaccia

Blue Fries

Classic Meatloaf - sliced house blend, black olive tomato sauce, arugula, smoked tomato vinaigrette, fontina cheese, soft cuban roll

French Fries

Benihana, Santa Monica

Last month was quite the celebration over on our street - er, our "duplex". The legalities of two of my neighbors turning 21 was nothing short of eventful. A charming sit-down at the Viceroy followed by a weekend of LA clubs for Stephanie and a cheerful teppanyaki [Benihana] followed by a different round of clubs for Becca. Two weekends in a row is how they do! Love you both, S & B. Xo.

N e i g h b o r s

Joe's Pizza, Santa Monica

Joe's Pizza in Santa Monica: It ain't NYC, but it's pretty damn close!

*All photos by Jon

Rockenwagner

Rockenwagner is just between 3rd and 4th street on Arizona Ave. in Santa Monica, a perfect place for a grab and go lunch if you happen to be shopping, or strolling, along the Promenade. It's easy to spot as the sidewalk tables are shaded by orange umbrellas and lined up on a grassy strip outside the bakery/cafe. A lineup of freshly prepared pretzels, scones and brioche welcome you upon entering... Alongside the danishes, crossaints, muffins, tarts, cookies, etc. The popular soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps are all pre-made and displayed in the deli case.

I always like to try a variety -the more, the better- so my mom and I decided to try a few of the mini sandwiches. Chris didn't like that idea, so he did his own thing... Take a look!

[Mini] Salmon

[Mini] Tuna

[Mini] Egg Salad

[Mini] Turkey

[Regular-Sized] Grilled Chicken