FIG Restaurant

"We are fully committed this evening," explained the hostess over the phone.  This comment was a first for me - an attempt to sound polite came across as if we were trying to get a table at the newest, hottest mental institution.  In the end, I was able to secure a table for late evening.

My guests and I arrived about 15 minutes early, desperately hoping to grab a table earlier.  No such luck, but we came back at our scheduled time (after checking out the 100+ year-old fig tree, the restaurant's namesake - truly amazing) and were told that we would probably not be seated for another 30 minutes past our reservation.  Starving, we snagged a seat at the farmer's table, first-come, first-served.  

We were greeted by a pleasant, professional server in a denim shirt and Levi's - an attempt to remind the patrons of the farm-fresh ingredients and simple, Midwestern values.  The food was incredibly fresh and crisp, but my veggie dish was a little underseasoned.  The pork shoulder was unmemorable - even though, as we were informed, the pigs were fed on acorns, which supposedly makes a silky, lean texture - lean but no silk.  P.S. Can meat be silky?  The scallops of one of my companions were a little underdone for her taste, but slowly cooked on the hot plate.  The highlight of the meal was the individual, mini french loaves with arugula and oil spread - like the onomatopoeia of fresh in your mouth.  

The atmosphere and decor were understated.  It didn't quite match the country garb of the waitstaff, but was simplistic enough that they worked together.  I would recommend trying to reserve one of the cabana-esque tables that they have at the front of the restaurant - and call EARLY, or they may be committed.

FIG Restaurant Santa Monica

101 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 

310.319.3111

http://www.figsantamonica.com/