By Barbara Bishop
In the course of doing business in Santa Monica, I’m always looking for the perfect place for breakfast or lunch, and my companions who don’t work near the beach are always requesting an ocean view.
I’ve frequented the many fantastic eateries up and down Ocean Avenue, and well as those on the Pier. All have ocean views. But one I keep forgetting about is a place where you can actually sit in the sand, have an excellent breakfast or lunch, as well as get a little exercise before or after your meal. And, I also have a choice of not just one, but 12 “right on the sand” locations, from Santa Monica to Torrance.
What started out as a couple of seasonal pizza stands now serves a full breakfast and lunch menu. No “greasy spoons” here! Breakfast items are made (by an award winning chef) with organic eggs and veggies and fruits from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, and the lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, quesadillas, and fresh fish, with an organic, healthy mindset. While I enjoy the beach and a great meal, there’s also music to set the mood for the rest of my day.
I’m having my birthday party here; this place provides chairs, umbrellas, food, and best of all –butlers – so I won’t have to lift a single finger, other than to motion the butler over to me. Cowabunga meets Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Awesome.
The owner is a real character. I don’t know how this guy does it. Besides operating 12 full-service restaurants, he provides bikes, skates, boogie boards and surfboards for rent and has a guided historical bike tour of Santa Monica. He also hosts an annual volleyball tournament, and participates in the City’s Bike Share program.
This guy is no cheapskate either. He contributes to the Diabetes Walk, Pancreatic Cancer Walk, American Heart Association, Breast Cancer Walk and countless others. The funny thing is that I have sat on the Executive Board of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce with him for at least 2 years, and never knew just how much he offers to beach lovers. I thought he rented bikes and flipped burgers. (Sorry Rick!)
I’m devoting my “Good Taste Santa Monica” column today to Rick Perry. He’s tastefully transformed a small stretch of paradise into one that we all can enjoy, even in our business clothes.
