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  • Miso Salmon Bowl from What’s Gaby Cooking at Neighborly Kitchen
    Dining

    Neighborly Kitchen in Brentwood: What to Order for a Family Sunday

    April 21, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Our go-to DoorDash orders from Neighborly Kitchen in Brentwood: What's Gaby Cooking, Mini Kabob, Mix Tape, and Palermo Pizza Club, with prices and how it holds up for delivery.

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  • Macadamia crusted salmon, sesame green beans, and kimchi fried rice at Pacific Catch, a solid inKind app pick in Los Angeles.
    Dining

    Pacific Catch in Santa Monica: An Easy Family Dinner Near the Beach

    April 20, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Our family dinner at Pacific Catch in Santa Monica: sustainably sourced seafood, easy parking, what we ordered, what it cost, and what to skip.

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  • A grilled swordfish fillet with visible char marks served over a bed of savory orzo pasta, topped with crushed nuts and a sprig of fresh parsley at Fia Santa Monica.
    Dining

    Fia Santa Monica Review: Garden Brunch, Dinner, and How We Save

    March 30, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Discover how to savor Fia's lush, Mediterranean garden dining without breaking the bank—smart timing and menu-savvy choices make magic affordable.

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  • A gourmet plate featuring a Filet Mignon Kabob on a black metal skewer with a side of white creamy sauce and a roasted tomato slice at Perse in Brentwood.
    Dining

    A New Lens on Persian Fine Dining: Our Evening at Perse

    March 23, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    The Westside has never been short on great Italian, modern American, or sushi, but a serious Persian restaurant had been missing from the Brentwood/Santa Monica rotation. That changed when Perse opened, tucked into Brentwood Gardens at 11677 San Vicente Blvd. Brad, our two daughters, and I went this past weekend to see if it held up to the buzz. The Room Fills Up Fast We had a 5:30 reservation at Perse and walked into a calm, architecturally clean room. By the time we left around 6:45, it was completely packed and lively. The outdoor patio is lovely, but it gets…

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  • A luxury dessert featuring three large scoops of frozen greek yogurt stacked on crisp phyllo baklava, topped with 24k gold leaf honey and candied citrus garnished with fresh raspberries and blackberries on a round wooden board.
    Dining

    ORLA Santa Monica: Why We Fell Out of Love

    January 26, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    There’s a distinct, soul-crushing grief only a true foodie knows: realizing your sanctuary—ORLA at the Regent Santa Monica—has jumped the shark.

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  • A nighttime street view of the Red O Cantina neon sign in Santa Monica, featuring a vintage-style glowing arrow with "Red O," "Cantina," and "Tequila" in bright lights. Festive string lights hang above the sidewalk, and the Fogo de Chão sign is visible in the background against a dark sky.
    Dining

    Is Red O Santa Monica Worth It? What You Need to Know

    January 17, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Santa Monica has morphed into the "Final Boss" of SoCal dining—beautiful views, brutal prices, and fewer chances to relax.

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  • A gourmet Croque Madame topped with a fried egg and Mornay sauce, served with golden French fries on a signature Bouchon Bakery plate next to a cup of espresso.
    Dining

    Bouchon at The Venetian: Brunch, the Bakery Line, and Gjelina

    January 4, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Wandering The Venetian's marble maze, I faced the ultimate carb crossroads: the Parisian polish of Bouchon or the beachy grit of Gjelina—here's which one won our family's Christmas taste test.

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  • Calvados Old Fashioned and a Mezcalita D’Ananas garnished with jalapeño on the table at Massilia in Santa Monica
    Dining

    Massilia Santa Monica: French Dining That Will Surprise You

    December 9, 2025 - By Ginger Graham

    What began as an app-fueled dinner date turned into an eye-opening lesson in how quickly kids can acquire a taste for the finer things.

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  • Minoan Sour with egg white foam and an Ankara Rye Club cocktail on the table at Zaytinya
    Dining

    Our Honest Zaytinya Review: Beautiful Room, Disappointing Food

    October 19, 2025 - By Ginger Graham

    Zaytinya at The Shay has a beautiful room and real hospitality. The mezze is hit-or-miss, it's not kid-friendly, and after two visits we're not going back.

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  • Madeline playing hide-and-seek by a tree in the courtyard at The Terrace at The Maybourne while we waited for dinner
    Dining

    Luxury dinner for less? The Terrace at The Maybourne

    August 19, 2025 - By Ginger Graham

    Our honest review of Golden Hour dinner at The Terrace at The Maybourne: a gorgeous setting, underwhelming food, and the one dish worth ordering.

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