I previously treated myself to a spa day at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. As I was searching for a treatment I came across a special that was offered called the “ONE for me.” This packaged offered a 60 minute facial or massage, lunch at the Coast Beach Café, and complimentary valet parking.
I arrived at the hotel and was promptly greeted by a most gracious valet staff who led me to my table at the beach side restaurant. I was seated on the enclosed patio with a table facing the beach during a sunny Friday afternoon. Shutters is one of the few hotels in Santa Monica that is truly situated next to the buzzing beach. My server soon came and handed me a menu that not only offered a choice for my prepaid lunch, but actually gave me options for my three-course meal. I was pleasantly surprised by this offer as it not only had three-courses, but also offered options for my diet. I am a pescetarian, meaning that the only meat I eat is fish.
To begin, I chose the vegetarian flatbread which consisted of a crisp whole wheat crust topped with mushrooms, asparagus, broccolini, and jalapeños. This appetizer was a great start to my meal as the crust was warm and the vegetables fresh and crunchy. Next for my main meal I chose the tuna nicoise salad. This meal reminded me of home as my mom would throw this salad together at the end of the week with the leftover groceries. This nicoise was true to style as it had the typical ingredients: seared tuna, hard boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, olives, tomatoes, and dressed with vinaigrette. At the end of every meal I find myself wanting something sweet. Usually that something sweet is a piece of dark chocolate but my eye was caught by this delectable sounding butterscotch pudding. I assumed that this dessert would be a small taste of heaven but no, this dessert was a large glass of euphoria, topped with a cookie straw and fresh whipped cream. As I finished my last bite, I sat there thinking what a great meal it had been, and how much better this afternoon was going to get with my 60-minute massage.
Location:
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 458-0030
Los Angeles Foodz 