Brentwood, California: Brentwood Country Mart + Frida Taqueria + Roberta Roller Rabbit; restaurant review + things to do

Brentwood Country Mart  

225 26th St./San Vicente Blvd., in Santa Monica (but most people think it is in Brentwood), (310) 395-6714.  M-Sat 11-7.  Parking $5/hr; 1 hr. free with validation.  Opened in 1948, this red barn of a building was designed to evoke early American and English country marketplaces--with shops and stalls arranged around a central courtyard.  It houses a variety of shops and restaurants and is a pleasant spot to shop and lunch under sheltering umbrellas.  On cool days you can warm up in front of an outdoor fire pit, and preschoolers can indulge in several kiddie rides nearby.  My personal favorite stops include:

●Frida Tacos  

(310) 395-9666.  Step up to the window to place your order for delicious Mexican fast food.  The sope--my favorite--is large and topped with plenty of lettuce, but I also really like the smaller enchilada verde and suggest ordering at least two of those.  Tortilla soup, tacos galore, and huge burritos are also available.  Fillings include a tasty pastor (marinated pork), a pollo con mole (chicken with chile-chocolate sauce), and carne asada (grilled beef).  



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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

updated July 2023

Brentwood, California: Roberta Roller Rabbit (CLOSED); things to do

Roberta Roller Rabbit

CLOSED  225 26th St. #4, in the Brentwood Country Mart, (310) 899-4440.

This unusual shop purveys its own line of clothing and accessories made with hand-blocked Indian prints. The kurta (pronounced k-er-ta), a simple traditional Indian tunic, is a prime piece, and the prints and colors are enticing, but blouses, neck scarves, and bedding are available at Roberta Roller Rabbit as well.



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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Brentwood, California: Wahoo’s Fish Taco; restaurant review

Wahoo’s Fish Taco 

11911 Wilshire Blvd./Westgate Ave., (310) 445-5990.

 At casual Wahoo's Fish Taco, place your order at the back, and then select one of the mix-matched Formica tables or booths. Entertainment from one of the TVs playing overhead is an option while you wait for your Mexican fast food. Menu choices include the namesake fish taco, burritos, and other standard Mexican items, plus a selection of rice bowls. Filling choices include meats, fish, and seafood, as well as tofu, mushrooms, and mixed veggies.


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Brentwood, California: Le Pain Quotidien (CLOSED); restaurant review

Le Pain Quotidien  

CLOSED  11702 Barrington Court/off Sunset, (310) 476-0969.  $$.

Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California

Breakfast choices at this cog in the global chain of bakery cafes include scrumptious fresh French pastries, an assortment of omelettes, and more.

coffee at Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California

My favorite is the Petit Dejeuner that includes a basket of breads and a croissant, plus coffee French-style in a bowl and orange juice; I always also add on a boiled egg.  Lunch brings on imaginative Belgian open-faced sandwiches, soups, and salads.  Le Pain is known for their delicious desserts and housemade breads as well as their line of condiments (spicy harissa sauce) and jams (I love the dark Montmorency cherry and the apricot), and all can be packed up to carry home.  A central communal table is popular with solo diners.  This branch might provide good star-spotting opportunities.  I say “might” because I am pretty sure, but am not positive, that I spotted Johnny Depp and Samuel L. Jackson here.



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images c2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated November 6, 2018

Brentwood, California: Coral Tree Cafe; restaurant review

Coral Tree Cafe  

11645 San Vicente Blvd./Darlington Ave., (310) 979-8733. B-L-D daily; $$.

The popular Coral Tree Cafe features tasty organic fare with many vegetarian options: panini, salads, pastas. Breakfast selections are plentiful and creative: Egg in a Hole (two organic eggs nestled in the middle of toasted kalamata olive bread), chocolate chip buttermilk pancakes. More favored items include Chinese chicken salad, rosemary chicken sandwich, macaroni and cheese, and veggie wrap with housemade hummus. Order at the counter; take a number, and select a seat on the inviting outdoor patio or buzzing airy interior.



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