On a recent “suicide run” to LA (despite my vow a few years back not to do them ever again), I had a three hour brunch at FIG in Santa Monica.
But first, what exactly is a “suicide run”? A “suicide run” is when you drive to LA from SF when the return is 3 days or less. Having not done these in a few years, I was amazed to find that the Tejon Ranch near Grapevine had been developed and even has an In & Out, thus bringing the amount of restaurants on the 5 to two! Exciting if you’re a fan of driving. And I&O. Despite the suicide run character of this road trip, I’ve not taken the MX5 out for a proper shakedown cruise. I took the MX5 there on the 5 and back on the 101 and learned that Kumho Ecsta tires are noisy and new struts are in order. But never mind the logistics of driving…
So I met up with a friend and she drove me to FIG at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. It’s basically American cuisine in nice surroundings. This was the first time there for both of us. It was a fun brunch; I think I spent more time laughing and chatting than eating. It took me two hours to eat a grilled cheese sandwich and another hour to have a couple of drinks in the Southern California sunshine with wonderful company.
I need more meals like this.
Signage is excellent; you definitely know where you are.
Sea salt. Looks good and tastes good too.
When you’re seated, they serve you arugula butter with warm mini baguettes.
This is how a 2 hour grilled gueyre cheese sandwich looks like
The aftermath, a half finished pasta-less lasagna, fries and the second half of a grilled cheese. And someone’s pair of Ray-Ban aviators…
Great service and validated parking at the Fairmont Hotel. Worth a visit then a stroll afterwards.
FIG
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401-1106
(310) 576-7777
http://www.figsantamonica.com
Musings of a Food and Travel Addict