Casual/Healthy Dinner in Santa Monica?

[yoginla]

Good morning Hounds!

I'm meeting a friend after work, looking for something casual and healthy -- with easy parking. Nothing particularly fancy. Would be great to order a glass of wine but not mandatory (at least not yet -- the day is still young). ;-)

Thanks all!

[yoginla]

Sorry to be a pain today -- but I just read a review that Cafe Montana is kind of pricey. Of course the location on Montana Avenue should have given me a clue. Also I'm not a particular fan of Montana Ave for some reason...not sure why?? Anyway, would prefer something south of Wilshire if possible, should anyone care to post other recommendations. Thanks very much. I do appreciate it.

[New Trial]

Would Axe on Abbott Kinney in Venice work for you? They have beer and wine and, depending on the time, parking on Abbott Kinney or the neighboring streets can be found.

-----
Axe
1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[yoginla]

I love Abbott Kinney but we've already decided to meet in SM (since we'll both be in the area later) -- and since we're both on a tight schedule I'm trying to keep it simple and find a simple (but comfy) little place to grab a salad or sandwich where it's easy to find parking (or even better -- a place w/ its own parking lot). Neither of us live or work in SM (or frequent there often) which is why I'm having trouble coming up with a place on my own. Thanks for the help!

[yoginla]

I'm leaning toward Urth Cafe if I run out of time. Thanks all.

[mollyomormon]

It's not south of Wilshire, but A Votre Sante might be a good bet for you.
http://www.avotresantela.com/

[yoginla]

This place looks amazing -- thanks!

[bigredd]

Cafe Montana. Corner of 16th and Montana. Excellent salads and fresh fish. No valet and they serve wine.

[yoginla]

BigRedd (love the name!) -- this looks like a winner -- thanks!

[Diana]

A lot of people don't agree with me, but I like Locanda Del Lago on Arizona near 3rd street.

[yoginla]

Parking outweighs everything really. And preferably not valet (I really disdain valet parking). I'm looking for a place w/ salads, sandwiches, and a variety of other foods, so nothing vegan or vegetarian or anything of that sort. Urth Cafe is probably a good choice...and especially great if they serve wine. Thanks!

[Servorg]

Dang, forgot about your wine requirement. They don't, although they might allow you to bring your own. What about Cora's Caffe on Ocean? They have quite a few healthy options and I think they serve vino.

[compucook]

How about the Fresh Corn Grill on Westwood Blvd? Parking isn't too bad if you will walk a block or so. Food is good, healthy and resonably priced. I don't think that they have a liquor license.

[yoginla]

We're looking for something in Santa Monica -- although I'll definitely make note of FCG for the future as I work not far away from Westwood Blvd. and I'm always looking for a nice alternative to CA Chicken Cafe (which I love). Thanks!

[yoginla]

Cora's sounds great -- but seems more like a bfast spot?? I could be wrong. I think we'll try Urth Cafe if I can't find anything else. Thanks for your help!

[hrhboo]

Cora's is only open for breakfast and lunch.

Buddha's Belly is nearby and quite good with several healthier options.

[Ali B]

Parking outweighs everything?

How about California Chicken Cafe. They have a parking lot in back:

2401 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403

But I am pretty sure they don't serve alcohol.

[Servorg]

How much weight does the "healthy" requirement carry in your quest? Does it need to be something along the lines of Real Food Daily or A Votre Sante? Or can it be a place that offers some healthier options without having that concept be it reason to exist?

[Servorg]

And all that being said how about Urth Caffe on Main St. in Santa Monica?

http://www.urthcaffe.com/