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Why Did You Eat That: Cha Cha Chicken

By Kirsten|August 9th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

What does one need more after a grueling day at the beach than some delicious food and serious refreshment? Okay, maybe some aloe, but probably much more of the former. I was delighted to be introduced to Cha Cha Chicken in Santa Monica a couple of weekends ago. Not only is it totally adorable, the food is a refreshing change from your average beach eats.

It is true to the beach feel serving up Caribbean fare, so there is no need to gussy up or make a reservation. Just stroll up, take a gander at the menu, order, and find a table to enjoy. I am partial to the jerk chicken enchiladas with beans and rice and fried plantains. It’s just spicy enough without needing to call the fire department.

You can not forget to wash it down with their fresh juices. I am a huge fan of the watermelon or strawberry ginger lemonade. We actually ended up combining both for an even more delightful drink.

Cha Cha Chicken

1906 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90405

310-581-1684

Dress Code:

This is a beach crowd, so easy, breezy, beautiful would be my suggestion. Feel free to toss on a cute cover up over your ‘kini.

MIKOH Swimwear Rylie Top, $90 and Hunter Bottom, $90

Alexis Lennon drawstring coverup, $148.50

Steve Madden Simmple sandal, $59.95

Why Did You Eat That: Just Another Restaurant

By Kirsten|July 26th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Before heading down to Temecula for our early Saturday morning adventure (more to come on that), we stopped at The Grove to pick up some essentials (read: Kiehl’s). Seeing as I haven’t been to a “mall” in quite some time, I had forgotten the type of people who frequent malls on a Friday nights. That being said, we opted not to dine in The Grove and headed to a place suggested by a friend called Jar.

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When we walked in, I hadn’t been sure what to expect being as I’m not from Los Angeles and I really never know what the hell to expect here. I was pleasantly surprised to see a warm and sexy room that had a Boogie Nights (sans mass amounts of drugs and girls on rollerskates). I felt a little underdressed because I’d just planned on being in a car for two hours and had just thrown on a jersey maxi dress and flip flops. The room was large and surprisingly empty for a Friday night.

We were seated at a nice table along the wall and our waiter came over promptly with the cocktail menu and a smile. It seemed possible that he would break into song and dance at any moment, but thankfully I appreciate overzealousness. We started off with the crab deviled eggs which were absolutely unbelievable. You had me at deviled eggs, but adding the crab really took them over the top. There were a lot of them for just two people, but since they were so delish, we had no trouble polishing them off.

slide_02 For our main, we shared a porterhouse steak with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes as sides. The meat was sliced for us upon serving and was cooked to our specification. The meat was juicy and delish and they offered several different sauces, but they really weren’t even necessary. The asparagus was fine, but unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were creamy and pure, not overly seasoned. There was more than enough food for two (which is good news for Smitty who was stashed in his bag below the table).

Despite being totally stuffed, we couldn’t resist the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Luckily, it was the perfect size after gorging yourself on steak. It was just enough to get a taste of chocolate without combusting onto our singing waiter.

I would certainly go back again for a good, quiet dinner with friends or date with a cute boy. (This is not a “scene” if that’s what you are looking for). So trade in your sequin mini for your elastic waist pants and head over to Jar for your next special occasion.

Jar

8225 Beverly Boulevard

323-655-6566

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 2.01.23 PM Splendid Cotton Racerback Maxi Dress, $125

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 2.37.18 PM Kensie Drape Front Cardigan, $68

AntikBatik-Tipi-Black_325 Antik Batik Tipi Sandal, $210

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 2.21.45 PM Kate Spade Metallic Macdougal Alley Thomas Crossbody, $185

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Not Just Another Meatball

By Kirsten|July 19th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

C_LA2-2_1 While in Los Angeles, I have been lucky enough to dine as some of best places the city has to offer. Last Thursday night, we went to Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. My girlfriends had been telling me this was one of their favorite places to eat in LA and upon arrival, I could see why. We passed through the terrace into the bar and main dining area. The room was aesthetically pleasing both with the decor as well as the clientele. I shouldn’t have been surprised seeing as Cecconi’s comes to you from the same folks as Soho House.

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We started with the goat cheese and summer truffle pizza and when I tell you it’s to die for, you’re lucky I’m here to type this. This was no dainty pizza either. It could have easily fed four, but we went ahead and left room for our entrees. By far one of the most delicious white pizzas I have ever had.

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For entrees, we ordered tuna tartare, which they bring to the table so that you can instruct them as to how you’d like it prepared. Also ordered was the halibut with lemon and chili rainbow chard. It isn’t often that a side is even better than the main, but this was one of those instances. I could have eaten an entire bowl of that chard. The crab ravioli with saffron sauce did not disappoint either. I love any type of ravioli, but this one was especially good. The pasta was homemade and the crab was so moist that there was not even need for sauce.

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We didn’t stick around for dessert, but I hear that the wood oven baked pear gratin with cinnamon ice cream is worth saving room for.

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I can certainly say that this will be somewhere I return. Perhaps I will throw a little dinner party in the private Butterfly room. It’s not a cheap night out, but would certainly impress a date and is worth the splurge if you are looking an incredibly delicious meal.

Cecconi’s West Hollywood

8764 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90069

310-432-2000

So what does one wear when dining in one of the prettiest places in LA? How about this:

NIGH-WD66_V4 Nightcap Clothing Victorian Dress, $303