{"id":12428,"date":"2019-08-05T11:04:59","date_gmt":"2019-08-05T18:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jodijacksonshollywood.tv\/?p=12428"},"modified":"2019-09-03T13:57:07","modified_gmt":"2019-09-03T20:57:07","slug":"dinner-the-upper-west-august-1-2019-santa-monica-ca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodijacksonshollywood.tv\/dinner-the-upper-west-august-1-2019-santa-monica-ca\/","title":{"rendered":"Dinner \u2013 The Upper West – August 1, 2019 \u2013 Santa Monica, CA."},"content":{"rendered":"

Chef Nick Shipp is a real darling and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>super talented man. He has been at the helm here at The Upper West for a while. Upper West opened up in 2010. I came to their grand opening then and in 2014 I did a fabulous review of The Upper West. Well I am here to tell you that the food has only gotten better! It was delicious back then but the little nuances have increased and everything I tasted tonight was exceptional and spectacular.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

About Upper West:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Upper West\u00a0<\/span>has been<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>locally owned and operated since 2010.\u00a0<\/span>The\u00a0<\/span>Upper West\u2019s ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors of their very own.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>bar offers a nightly happy hour from 5-7pm and\u00a0<\/span>all night<\/span>\u00a0happy hour every Monday\u00a0<\/span>serving<\/span>\u00a0refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted\u00a0<\/span>beer and<\/span>\u00a0a unique array of small bites. Some of the local\u00a0<\/span>favorite<\/span>\u00a0happy\u00a0<\/span>hour<\/span>\u00a0small bites\u00a0<\/span>are:<\/span>\u00a0braised pork belly lettuce wraps,<\/span>\u00a0sausage and goat cheese quesadillas<\/span>\u00a0and lamb\u00a0<\/span>nachitos<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes The Upper West so special is that their Ingredients are sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms, Niman Ranch, Jimenez Family Farm, and Harries Berries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The interior is<\/span>\u00a0lively and organically<\/span>\u00a0pleasing.\u00a0<\/span>Big, tall-trussed\u00a0<\/span>ceilings add to the overall charm.\u00a0<\/span>Simplicity<\/span>\u00a0is the backdrop to their outstanding food.\u00a0<\/span>One of the interior highlights is that every season of the year the wall art changes with works from local artists.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>You too will find it an enchanting and inviting place to<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0meet for a first date, host\u00a0<\/span>private\u00a0<\/span>corporate events,\u00a0<\/span>celebrate\u00a0<\/span>birthdays<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners or\u00a0<\/span>to\u00a0<\/span>have a simple family dinner<\/span>.\u00a0 The real star of the show; however,<\/span>\u00a0is their amazing food<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Upper West values community involvement as well as participating and supporting local charities in Santa Monica such as LLS, Breast Cancer Awareness, Venice Family Clinic, Planned Parenthood and the local schools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My waiter was the very handsome TJ who was filled with only good vibes. He was as efficient as he was fun. The night I came the place was packed but TJ managed to\u00a0<\/span>tak<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0good care of me<\/span>\u00a0by check-in timely and serving my evening\u2019s meal with elegance and grace.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jen and James a very handsome young couple were sitting next to me. They offered up a taste of the Smoked Blue Cheese Chips-super yum! A must have on my next visit.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>James really knew<\/span>\u00a0the menu and they had a blast eating all of their favorites. You could tell that they were regulars.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is a patio where they play great old films. That night, the iconic, \u201cBreakfast at Tiffany\u2019s\u201d was playing.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I tried:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocktails:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Westsider, with Belvedere Vodka, fresh pomegranate,\u00a0Gifffard\u00a0PampleMousse, and Rose Cava. A pungent drink, full of\u00a0action packed\u00a0ingredients that are guaranteed to blow your hair back. It\u2019s refreshing and delicious.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry Fields, with Vodka, strawberry, basil, and lemonade. If you\u2019re in the mood for a sweet cocktail then this would be\u00a0<\/span>for you. A nice\u00a0<\/span>way<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to start my experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cucumber Martini Wheatley Vodka, cucumber, mint, and lemon. This would be my go-to\u00a0<\/span>drink. It\u2019s elegant and a perfect thirst quencher. I just loved it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Soup:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweet Corn Soup, with a veggie fritter. My rule of thumb is that you can always tell so much about a restaurant by their\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>oup. This one is a true winner. Rich corn flavors with a nice creamy edge-just perfect.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Appetizers:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ivette\u2019s Spicy Salmon Crunchy Rice, with freeze dried soy sauce, wasabi tobiko, avocado puree, lime, jalapeno, and baby\u00a0<\/span>shiso<\/span>. This appetizer is very Asian inspired with lush uma<\/span>mi flavors-simply wond<\/span>erful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chargrilled Octopus, with\u00a0<\/span>gigande<\/span>\u00a0bean, potato salad, orange, yuzu aioli, and smoked roe<\/span>. One huge tentacle may seem like a prehistoric\u00a0<\/span>presentation<\/span>; however, once you get past that you are in heaven!\u00a0<\/span>The flavors blend and your taste buds dance, just amazing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBaby\u201d Baby Back Ribs, with lemongrass\u00a0bbq\u00a0sauce, pickled peppers, cilantro, and grilled pineapple. Too bad this is appetizer size; I could eat a whole entree plate of this. They ribs are succulent, tender and flavorful, a real treat.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Entrees:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coffee Crusted Red Wattle Pork Tenderloin, with goat cheese mashed potatoes, roasted jalapeno applesauce, and citrus demi. The pork is super tender, but the real star for me is the goat cheese mashed potatoes. The combination of the potatoes and the pork is super dope.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prime Flatiron Steak, with McDaniel smoked bacon, and Gorgonzola slaw. This steak is super smoky, which I just loved and the slaw added the right crunch, a nice unique steak from all the typical steaks at dining establishments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sides:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wild Mushrooms, with garlic, leeks,\u00a0<\/span>farro<\/span>, and dried fig. I can\u2019t say enough about\u00a0<\/span>these<\/span>\u00a0little d<\/span>arlings-super d<\/span>elicious.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grilled Sweet Corn, with avocado butter, Cotija cheese, and smoked paprika. This side dish has a Latin twist.\u00a0<\/span>It packs some unique flavors into one big side dish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dessert:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Lime Tart, with blueberry jam, coconut basil sorbet, and lavender whipped cream. This is something that\u00a0<\/span>The\u00a0<\/span>Upper West is known for and you can see why once you dive into this luxurious new take on a real southern classic, you too will be hooked.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake, with peanut butter ice cream, roasted marshmallow, and strawberry puree. If you\u2019re a chocolate lover then this dessert is for you, and the ice cream is off the charts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wine:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chardonnay, Magnolia, Russian River Valley, CA., 2015. This is not a super buttery wine, but\u00a0its\u00a0enables the other flavors of the food to shine. I would do this wine with the Octopus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sauvignon Blanc, Les 7 Hommes, Sancerre, France, 2018. This is a grassy herbal wine; it went great with the salmon crunchy rice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seven Hills, Walla Walla Valley, Washington CA., 2014, a perfect combo with the flat iron steak.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pinot Noir Purple Hands, Willamette Valley, OR, 2017. A nice light Pinot that can be paired easily with the glorious ribs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chef Nick Shipp is eager to accommodate. He was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. The \u201c<\/span>Funkytown<\/span>\u201d native began his cooking career at the early age of 15 and later attended the Culinary Institute of Dallas. Moving west to SoCal, he became immersed in the Wolfgang Puck franchise. Shipp\u2019s culinary peers have chosen him to be in the inaugural edition of the Best Chefs of America 2013. His regional cuisine at The Upper West is creative and inspiring. Some menu items have been on since the beginning, and some others are a work in progress. Your taste buds will enjoy Chef Nicks Shipps blending and subtle nuances with every bite, has been described by food critics as a \u201cmad scientist, where no two dining experiences are ever alike.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every month, Chef Nick gets to show off his culinary talents with a special pairing dinner co-hosted by select liquor brands who will walk you through each of the individual tasting notes in accompaniment with each course. They offer whiskey, gin, and wine dinners, with a small intimate group, and everyone always has a great time!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next time you\u2019re looking for a great meal and a fun environment try The Upper West. It\u2019s a hidden gem in a super cool part of Santa Monica. Almost as if you were somewhere in Manhattan or San Francisco without the plane fare.<\/span>
\nQuotes on their walls:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no sincerer love then love of a food\u201d, George Bernard Shaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhiskey is for drinking, water is for floating\u201d, Mark Twain.
\nThe Upper West
\n3321 Pico Blvd.
\nSanta Monica, CA 90405
\n310-586.1111
\nwww.theupperwest.com<\/p>\n

* Note some content was taken off of their website.<\/p>\n

This review is dedicated to Leslie Paonessa, she was a true fixture at The Upper West – enjoying her happy hours very regularly, and they even named a cocktail after her. To me she was a dear friend, The Upper West had her memorial, and they closed the restaurant for her remembrance. Chef Nick said some very sweet words about her as well. She will be very missed, cheers Leslie.<\/p>\n

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