Innovative Fresh Cuisine Makes Santa Monica a Beachfront Culinary Hotspot

Al Fresco Dining, 360 Degree Views, Fresh Farmers Market Produce and More, Make Santa Monica a Perfect Location for Star Chefs and World-Class Dining

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. April 14, 2010

SANTA MONICA, CA - April 14, 2010 - Whether it's the 340 days of sunshine that allow for constant Al Fresco dining, mountain and ocean views to either side, four fresh produce Farmers Markets, or the laid back California beach lifestyle, Santa Monica continues to entice some of the finest and most creative chefs in the world to open their restaurants and bars in the quintessential California beachfront city.

“Santa Monica is an attractive location for many chefs because of the vast creative possibilities that it offers, as well as the diverse culture and surroundings. We have surfing chefs, women chefs, world famous veteran chefs and new celebrity talent all in a small eight square mile radius,” said Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From 360 degree views at The Penthouse, Al Fresco and beachfront dining options at many of our restaurants, to farm-to-table menus at Fraiche, Ocean & Vine, and Locanda del Lago, and even dining in the dark at Opaque, Santa Monica offers foodies and travelers alike over 400 restaurants to choose from, many of which are within walking distance from our hotels.”

Named “best neighborhood for dining in all of Southern California” for two years by Zagat Survey, and known as the reputed birthplace of “California” and “Fusion” cuisine, Santa Monica is home to world famous and award-winning restaurants such as The Lobster, Melisse, JiRaffe, Penthouse, Border Grill, Chinois, and more. In the last year alone, Santa Monica has welcomed over a dozen new restaurants and bars from well-known and acclaimed chefs to the city, including award-winning local chef Josiah Citrin's Cache Restaurant; Chef Jean Francois Meteigner's new location for his ever-popular La Cachette Bistro; Top Chef's Stefan Richter's Stefan's at LA Farm and Stefan's on Montana; Top Chef Chris “CJ” Jacobson's The Yard; and many more.

Top Chef's Stefan Richter, Chef/Owner of Stefan's at LA Farm and Stefan's on Montana, chose to live and open both of his restaurants in Santa Monica because "Santa Monica has the best produce, the most local Farmers Markets, I live blocks from the beach, and the people here have such a relaxed attitude. Santa Monica is like a family.”

Many restaurants offer private group dining rooms with unique settings, such as poolside cabanas, enchanting patios, wine cellars and more, and most restaurants will create special prix fix menus for tour operators.

Santa Monica will also be welcoming Santa Monica Place on Aug. 6, 2010, a new outdoor shopping mall in Downtown Santa Monica, which will include a rooftop dining terrace with a fine dining and bar scene, giving diners convenient access to various restaurant and nightlife options, a modern outdoor fireplace, and a stunning view overlooking Santa Monica Beach. Restaurants will include The Market at Santa Monica Place, offering fresh, seasonal and artisanal food, La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Bar, Ozumo Sushi, Fresh Air Food Court, and many more.

For more information about Santa Monica restaurants and bars, please visit www.santamonica.com/where-to-eat and www.santamonica.com/whats-new for more of what's new in dining and other news.

About Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For travel and accommodation information or a free copy of the Official Visitors Guide, the public can write to the Santa Monica Visitor Center, 1920 Main Street Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90405; call (800) 544-5319 or (310) 393-7593; visit www.santamonica.com; or email [email protected]. Follow SMCVB on Twitter @GoSantaMonica or become a FaceBook fan at:
www.facebook.com/visitsantamonica.