Salty, Squishy Goodness at Santa Monica's Herringbone

A couple of weeks ago Edible Skinny was lucky enough West of Lincoln to experience all things mollusk at Herringbone, Santa Monica.   Our date: the delightful Miss Katie Johnson!

Chef Brian Malarkey opened the company’s third ocean-to-table location a little over a year ago at the Seychelle 310 at 1755 Ocean Ave.  The space quickly become an aquatic dining hotspot.

Photo Marie Buck

Inspired by The Taste alum’s passion for expertly crafted coastal cuisine infused with seaside whimsy, the restaurant features dishes that evoke his signature “Fish Meats Field” philosophy alongside new, market-driven offerings that are unique to its beachside locale.

Herringbone first opened its doors in San Diego’s coastal community of La Jolla in spring 2012.  The acclaimed restaurant has since been awarded “Best New Restaurant,” “Best Atmosphere” and “Best Chef” by San Diego local newspaper, La Jolla Today, as well as “Best Design/Atmosphere” by San Diego Magazine and most recently was one of two San Diego restaurants to be named in OpenTable’s 2013 impressive “Hot 100 Spots to Dine in America” list.

Miss Katie and I started off our lunch date with a couple of complex cocktails.  I partook in the Jalé Berry ($11) with a delightful one two punch of sugar and spice compiled of Strawberry jalapeño Infused tequila, lime, agave.  Our bartender informed us it was one of the most popular drinks on the menu and I was delighted to discover the masses had made the right choice.  Miss Katie went with the Grow A Pear ($12) Cucumber infused gin, cilantro, jalapeño, pear, lemon.  I have to say I don’t enjoy gin, but I enjoyed that drink…

Photo Marie Buck

Herringbone has a Salt & Brine Bar offering the fantastic choice of an Oyster Sampler ($32).  I being the Veg, Miss Katie volunteered as tribute to consuming a variety of crustaceans from a variety of countries and providences.  Included in this Wild Bunch was Fanny Bay (British Columbia), Raspberry Point (Prince Edward Island), Wildcat Cove (BC), Holliewood Zen (BC), Hood Canal (California), and Malpeque (PEI).  From creamy to complex the mollusks were “salty, squishy goodness.”

After oysters we dabbled with health food greens with two of Herringbone’s summer salads.   The first was their Stone Fruit Salad ($16) a composite of Mizuna, Burrata, Smoked Almonds, and Oregano Vinaigrette.  The smokiness of the nuts balance beamed the creaminess of the cheese for a perfect 10.  

Katie entrée-ed with the Albacore Poke ($15) a mixture of Tuna, Ginger, Soy, Spicy Mayo, Avocado, Nori Chips.  “The chips are what makes the dish,” she squealed with delight! I dined on veggie pasta dish that was hearty yet not too heavy as to feel overwhelmed.

We girls finished off our lunch with the delightful Herringbone Sundae ($11) composed of Chocolate Ice Cream, to die for Sea Salt Blondies, Marshmallow Cream, Caramelized Cocoa Nibs, and Creamy Caramel.  It was an absolute delight in our mouth. 

Photo Marie Buck

FYI, along with lunch and dinner, Herringbone is open for Oyster Hour (Herringbone’s take on happy hour) where oysters are a $1 a piece!

So here’s to life being delicious and all your bites being salty, squishy goodness.