Curious Food? - by don saito
The Curious Palate is comfort food meets Le Cordon Bleu. The extensive menu is handwritten on a large blackboard and includes comforts, burgers, leaves and roots, mains, and handhelds (wraps and sandwiches).
The fried chicken is perfectly executed- flavorful seasoned, crispy skin and moist inside. This is as perfect a fried chicken as I have ever had. The fries here are almost too good and a chipotle slaw adds a welcome cool crunch.
The Bahn Mi takes a Vietnamese street sandwich and elevates it into the band of gourmet cuisine. Braised pork shoulder with apricot tamarind BBQ sauce, butter lettuce and brioche bun combine for an addicting bite.
The food here is nothing short of spectacular and I could go on endlessly: the miso short rib wrap is a flavor burst with sweet, sour and crunch; the cubano sandwich is the direct opposite of bland - a sinus clearer, at the very least; and the burgers are big and juicy - just the way I like them. The prime grass fed beef is not only a healthy option, but full of flavor - unexpected for what is usually a leaner meat. You would be hard pressed to find a better burger anywhere.
Located on the third floor of the newly remodeled Santa Monica Place outdoor mall at the far end of “The Market” -an indoor collection of organic, artisanal gourmet shops and restaurants.
If you’re in Santa Monica, stop by for lunch or dinner. You will enjoy it and the nearby shops. You will find gourmet chocolates, cheese, coffee, ice cream - a food lover’s paradise.