Before those pesky New Year's resolutions set in, here are three new shops that can provide treats for office parties, events, or client gifts.
1. Through her new Santa Monica-based business Tartist, Xárene Eskandar bakes not-too-sweet tarts that include seasonal offerings like apple, pear, persimmon, pumpkin, and quince. The baked goods are all-natural and organic with ingredients that are locally sourced, often from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Eskandar's Persian influences come through in the flavors, which include rose water, cardamom, and orange blossom. Each tart is baked to order and handcrafted with the individual client in mind, and all ingredients are sourced when the order is placed. Brand-new this month, Eskandar has introduced the "pop-tartist" concept: She's gathering a dozen vintage toasters for guests to make their own pop-tarts for intimate events. Delivery is available for orders of two or more tarts; delivery fee depends on the location. For events, the Tartist can handle about 15 tarts per day.
2. Well-known West Hollywood bakery Sweet Lady Jane opened a new outpost in Santa Monica earlier this month. For an event or in-office meeting, try items from the full-service bakery or lunch menu, which includes soups, salads, and sandwiches. House-baked artisan breads are made fresh every day. The venue itself was designed by Alexis Readinger of Preen, fusing European Art-Nouveau with Sweet Lady Jane’s palette; there's an antique arched Victorian door, vine moldings, etched floor tile, and touches done in pastel yellow, gray, and soft green. “We are thrilled to become part of the Santa Monica community and to be able to finally say ‘We have arrived’ to all of our loyal patrons who have requested a retail location closer to the Westside,” said owner Jane Lockhart in a release.
3. Simplethings Sandwich & Pie Shop is now open in the West 3rd Street neighborhood of West Hollywood. With a modern take on a 1905s pie shop, Simplethings bakes pies daily in an assortment of flavors, roasts meats in-house for savory sandwiches, and sources ingredients from local farmers and vendors. The first venture from owner/operators Andy Paxson and Ryan Handel, the 36-seat restaurant has an open kitchen with classic black and white decor and yellow accents. Framed mirrors and tufted seat backs line the entrance, leading to a case filled with a colorful assortment of chef Carrie Cusack’s daily pie offerings and a vintage Coca-Cola drink bin tucked to the side. Sweet pies at Simplethings are offered in three sizes: “cutie pie” for a quick bite ($2.50), “simple pie” for sharing and sampling ($5.50), and "big pies" for events with advance notice ($20). Flavors vary from traditional fruit pies such as apple, cherry, and blueberry, to banana, chocolate, and coconut cream, as well as strawberry shortcake, orange creamsicle, and salted caramel. For a fully customized event, planners may submit a recipe outside of the 18 regularly offered flavors; with at least 24 hours' notice, Simplethings will present a custom version.
