Earlier this month, Santa Monica received a branch of La Grande Orange, the brainchild of LGO Hospitality founder Bob Lynn and R.J. and Jerrod Melman of Lettuce of Entertain You (sons of restaurateur Rich Melman). The location's menu focuses on American cooking with fresh ingredients that emphasize seasonal organic cuisine from the local farmers market; the eatery proclaims its ingredients are so fresh that the only freezer in the place holds homemade gelato and ice cream.
La Grande Orange Santa Monica is open for all-day dining, seven days a week. The breakfast menu offers huevos rancheros, and the "commuter sandwich," served on a house-made English muffin. Lunch and dinner options include brussel sprout salad and soft taco platters that use made-to-order tortillas and meat or fish and organic vegetables.
The wine list includes primarily California and Oregon wines available in six- or 10-ounce pours, or by the bottle (also available for purchase and takeaway). There is also a featured selection of Santa Barbara wines.
Marshall & Agriam Interior Design (the team behind Gjelina in Venice) and Marmol Radziner Architects worked under Lynn's direction to design the space. The dining room and patio have capacities of 120 and 75, respectively, and both are available for buyouts on some days of the week.
