We've been missing Tar & Roses (which by the way just reopened!) so we decided to try its sister restaurant. Start off with a magical cocktail like Lululime ($13) a mixture of vodka, cucumber, mint, lime, and ayurvedic
bitters, with a hint of cayenne pepper to give it some spark! Beer selection isn't huge but includes favorites such as Scrimshaw Pilsner ($7) and Midas Touch Ancient Ale ($9). From the wine list we choose a Handley chardonnay from the Anderson Valley.
($16/$64) Other interesting whites and reds include Radio Coteau Chardonnay ($125) and Angela Estate Pinot Noir ($92). Bring your own wine too, but be prepared to pay the corkage fee. Santa Monica Yacht Club, on 6th and Santa Monica is modeled after
an old-school yacht. It's mainly a seafood restaurant where Chef Andrew Kirschner pays homage to the ocean with such memorable didshes as the Crabcake in a Singaporian chili sauce. ($16) Pea shoots and cilantro surround the moist, tender chunks of
crab. The Lobster Burrata Toast ($19) was my favorite small plate. Chunks of sweet lobster sit upon toast with creamy burrata as the base. Topped off with chili falkes, lemon, and tarragon, this was a party in my mouth! We also tried the Grilled
Shrimp with polenta. ($16).Shrimp were perfectly grilled and exploded with flavor. The Amber Ale Marinated Skirt Steak was my husband's favorite dish. Tender slices of steak are served with white sweet potato puree. From the garden we ordered the Lobster
Rice. ($11). This is one of the best rice dishes I have had. Bits of lobster, avocado, and chives make up this rich buttery dish. My advice would be to choose one dish from the menu's five catagories Raw (oysters, yellowtail, striped bass chviche,
rock shrimp taquitos) Crustacean (carb cale, lobster burrata, spaghetti and clams), Fish (grilled branzino, whole fried snapper), Meat (Skirt steak, bone in NY, lamb kebobs) and Graden (smoked pee wee potatoes, lobster rice, apple glazed brussels sprouts.
You won't go wrong! Santa Monica Yacht Club 620 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica (310) 587-3330. Hours: Tue-Sat: 5:30-10:30 pm, Sun: 5:30-9:30 pm. Reservations a must.