Malibu, California: Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe; restaurant review

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe  

25653 P.C.H., 1.5 miles north of Pepperdine University, (310) 456-3430.  Daily 11am-8:30pm.  

overview of Malibu Seafood cafe in Malibu, California

Founded in 1972, Malibu Seafood is owned and operated by commercial fishermen.  The owners have been quoted as saying, “The reason we don’t serve breakfast is we’re out catching lunch.” Watch for the street-side sign and be ready to make a quick exit into the free parking area.  

menu at Malibu Seafood cafe in Malibu, California

fresh seafood counter at Malibu Seafood cafe in Malibu, California

Nicknamed the hut” by locals, this modest spot serves fresh local fish prepared to order.  Fish and chips and ground ahi burgers are popular, and prices are fair.  Get in line, order at the counter inside, pick up at the window outside, and select a seat at an ocean-view picnic table.  Or take it to go for a picnic on the beach. 

open-air seating at Malibu Seafood cafe in Malibu, California

fish & chips at Malibu Seafood cafe in Malibu, California

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Santa Monica, California: Urth Caffe Santa Monica; restaurant review

Urth Caffe Santa Monica  

2327 Main St./Pico, (310) 314-7040.  No reservations. 

patio seating at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica, California

interior at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica, California

The menu at Urth Santa Monica features local, seasonal, and organic fare.  Place your order at the counter, then select from one of many tables both inside and out.  Breakfast is a popular time because of the great selection of delicious pastries, but lunch brings on a large variety of sandwiches--including The “New Yorker” Sandwich, which is a tasty classic Reuben with Russian dressing on marble bread.  Pizzas and salads and plenty more options round it out.  Among the desserts are an acclaimed pecan sticky bun and personal-size pecan pie, but don’t miss the delicious and light berries-and-cream cake.  Acclaimed drinks include the Spanish latte and Japanese green tea latte, but I favor the smoothies.  

New Yorker Reuben sandwich at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica, California

berries-and-cream cake at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica, California

All this and it’s popular with celebs, too!  Though I saw somebody here (I’m just not sure who!), at the Beverly Hills branch I once saw Reese Witherspoon with her halo of blonde, blonde hair setting up shop with her young children.  Keep your eyes peeled. 

Shops and more restaurants are sprinkled along Main Street, and the Community Garden can be seen across the street at #2224. 

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Antonio, Texas: La Panaderia; restaurant review

La Panaderia    

Downtown:  301 E Houston St., (210) 592-6264.  A few blocks from The Alamo.

Alamo Heights:  8305 Broadway St., (210) 375-6746.  The original location is convenient to the airport.

La Cantera Heights:  17030 Fiesta Texas Dr. Suite 105, (210) 600-4460. 

counter line at La Panaderia in San Antonio, Texas

Operated by brothers David and Jose Caceres, who moved here from Mexico City in 2014, the La Panaderia mini-chain is super popular with locals for breakfast.  

pastries at La Panaderia in San Antonio, Texas

The baked goods are particularly good due to the 48-hour fermentation process the kitchen uses.  Patrons line up at the pastry case to select from the array of exquisite pan dulces (Mexican sweet breads).  A house specialty is the hefty and deliciously over-stuffed tequila-almond croissant, which is also now my own favorite, and the conchas have the reputation for being the best ever.  Someday I hope to actually have room to try the jalapeño croissant.  A few egg items are also available.  I am definitely also addicted to the superb, thick Mexican hot chocolate, though I favor ordering the “dirty” version that includes a shot of espresso.  And I do like a glass of fresh OJ (for some wonderful reason, fresh OJ in San Antonio is usually actually fresh-squeezed OJ).  

"dirty" hot chocolate with pastry at La Panaderia
in San Antonio, Texas

For lunch, popular choices from the extensive torta (Mexican sandwich) options include a chicken milanesa torta on telera bread and a jalapeño sausage bun.  

"I'll have this one" at La Panaderia in San Antonio, Texas

The food is top quality, and the Houston Street space is particularly attractive. 

seating at La Panaderia in San Antonio, Texas

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers