Friday, December 30, 2016

L'Ami Restaurant

Move over comfort food,L'Ami Restaurant in Santa Monica (on the border of Brentwood) has burst onto the scene in all its splendor.
Hidden behind an original wrought iron gate covered in ivy, it's reminiscent of the grand entrance leading into a magnificent estate on the French Riviera. L'Ami boasts a unique charm and characteristic atmosphere with two beautiful outdoor terraces surrounded by a variety of lush plants, and dotted with dimly lit rooms.
The open-air terrace, arched passageways, and  blue painted ceilings reveal a casual ambience for dining. The bar and lounge, a favorite with the locals, is warm and inviting with a crackling fireplace and white shearling covered bar chairs. The ambience is much like stepping in to the welcoming elegant home of a friend , setting the stage for the main attractions, the cuisine, fine wine and cocktails.
L'Ami  captures Mediterranean culture, rich history, delicious intricate cuisine and regional delicacies that blend together to offer an unparalleled culinary adventure, along with impeccable service. The menu combines owner Marc-Antoine Rambaud's childhood culinary experience with the influence of French-born Chef Francis Bay, and General Manager Tropez Aubour, all born in Southern France. Chef Bey's approach and passion for introducing French cuisine continues to inspire him to combine authentic fresh ingredients with organic and seasonal dishes. His French Mediterranean menu classics are enlivened with imagination, flavor, beauty and tradition.
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean, Bey mixes simplicity with sopsistication along with some unexpected touches in his elaborate entrees with his fresh and clean flavors. Butternut squash ravioli with Russian kale, Scottish salmon with ginger soy lemon vinaigrette, Maine lobster with  black truffle farro risotto, The Mezze appetizer, Foie Gras Au Torchon are some of his amazing  creations.
Specialty cocktails, beer and fine wines from across the globe will certainly quench yur thirst.
L'Ami for great Westside/LA dining is located at 246 26th Street in Santa Monica, phone: (310) 310-8064 or  www.lamirestaurant.com for dining hours.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Lomita Railroad Museum

On a day created for why we live in California, it was an unexpected treat and surprise to discover not only the city of Lomita, but the  charming Lomita Railroad Museum, dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine that's the hallmark of the Museum.
The Museum, the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado, was founded in 1967 by Mrs. Irene Lewis who commissioned the Museum in memory of her husband Martin, and bequeathed it to the City of Lomita. The Lewis' had owned "Little Engines of Lomita," a business that manufactured miniature live steam locomotives, and so Irene Lewis was most familiar with the history and operation of railroads. After researching train depots and stations nationwide, she chose to copy the Victorian architecture for her replica of a 19th century depot, the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Inside you will find such treasures as the Locomotive Whistles, Locomotive Classification Light Collection, Tie  Date Nails, Keeler Cooler, Link and Pin Coupler, Hand Lantern Collection, and much more.
Outside there's a Southern Pacific Railroad steam locomotive and tender in operation from 1902 to 1960. Close by is a 1910 Union Pacific caboose and a modern all-steel Santa Fe caboose. Across the way is a 1823 Union Oil tank car, and 1913 Southern Pacific,outside braced  box car; and a wooden railroad water tower.
You are welcome to board the steam engine, explore the caboose, and tour the Museum gallery with over 1500 rare and historic artifacts on display.
The Museum located at 2137 Wesr 250th Street, Lomita, CA 90717 is at the corner of Woodward and 250th Street. There is an entrace fee. They are open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for more information and reservations phone: (310) 326-6255 or www.lomita-rr.org