F&W Free Preview All You Coastal Living Cooking Light Food and Wine tab Health myRecipes Southern Living Sunset
My F&W
quick save (...)
502 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica , CA , United States http://www.jirafferestaurant.com/
(310) 917-6671

This French bistro from chef-owner Raphael Lunetta opened in 1996, and stops just short of fine dining. The restaurant has brown awnings and arched windows outside, and inside, canary-yellow walls, ground-floor and mezzanine seating, and crystal chandeliers. The seasonal menu might include purple Peruvian gnocchi with rock shrimp, a caramelized pork chop with wild rice and smoked bacon, or pepper-crusted ahi with soba and bok choy. Chef Lunetta regularly severs a seasonal four-course menu, as well as a special prix fixe dinner every Monday. The beverage program centers on wine, relying on French, Californian, and Oregonian selections.

From the From the May 2008 Food & Wine Go List

This Venice teahouse is set in a quaint beach bungalow behind a fence, surrounded by a flower garden. Run by the Singaporean-born Kristy Choo, the place has a breezy California sensibility, though the gorgeous sweets and savory dishes have a strong Chinese aesthetic—think lemongrass chocolate.

We loved: Egg-salad finger sandwiches; green-tea cake with red-bean paste.

Last updated Thu Apr 05 10:20:07 UTC 2012
advertisement
The Dish
Receive the latest on food, restaurants and trends 3x per week in this e-newsletter.
The Wine List Weekly pairing plus best bottles to buy.
F&W Daily One sensational dish served fresh every day.
American Express Publishing ("AEP") may use your email address to send you account updates and offers that may interest you. To learn more about the ways we may use your email address and about your privacy choices, read the AEP Privacy Statement.
How we use your email address
advertisement
Harold Dieterle is a passionate fan of the TV series Game of Thrones.
More than 700 all-star recipes for all occasions. Easy-to-use Wine and Beer Pairings and Best New Chef recipes.