View of the bar from the dining room |
Catch all the action in the open kitchen |
But as the tenacious winter gives way to spring, Summer House is planning to get more summery. Work is scheduled to begin today on the two outdoor dining areas, one on Grand Park Avenue, and one alongside the restaurant. The sidewalk cafe section will be similar to that of Lettuce Entertain You's sister restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi at Bethesda Row, while the second patio will be larger. Parts of the side walls, and garage doors on the front, will open during warmer temperatures, bringing more of the summer weather into Summer House, and the restaurant's hip atmosphere out to the streetscape.
I stopped by to check out Summer House for myself yesterday. The first thing you will notice when entering is the bakery, chock full of fresh-baked bread, cookies and brownies - and Mint Oreo Rice Krispies treats. Man cannot live on bread alone. You'll most likely be stopping there again before you leave.
Right now you need a refreshing beverage. There are quite a few summer-appropriate cocktails, and a good selection of wines - including one of my favorites, a Malbec by Alto las Hormigas. But I decided to go to the beer list, noticing that - alongside my standby Pabst Blue Ribbon - they had another classic American brew less often found on beer lists around here: Anchor Steam. I liked this California Common-style beer, which dates back to 1896 San Francisco. I'm giving it 4 stars out of 5 under my beer rating system.
Anchor Steam pours with a massive head of foam |
Tortilla chips with guacamole and charred tomato salsa |
Baked-to-Order Biscuits are a must-try |
Decisions, decisions |
Roasted Half Chicken with french fries, salsa verde and ketchup |
Country Stuffing |
Georges Bank Swordfish |
Prime Skirt Steak |
Classic Wood-grilled Hamburger |
The Trifecta Fudge Cake seems to be a popular choice, and with good reason. A dense fudge cake topped with a massive dollop of fancy whipped cream, its fudge filling and fudge sauce are rich enough to be a match for the cube of peanut butter fudge that joins it on the plate. Peanut butter sealed the deal for me, and again works with the summer theme, as the fudge reminds one of that sold on the boardwalk at Ocean City.
Trifecta Fudge Cake |
Then again, you could go for the bacon-topped chocolate chip cookie. It is a real thing, and it's scrumptious.
Bacon-topped Chocolate Chip Cookie |
Summer House Santa Monica
11825 Grand Park Avenue
301-881-2381