By Audrey Mullin, KidScoop
Media Foodie age 9
When we arrived at the table in SOCALO, on June 26th, they presented us with watermelon agua fresca. It had a hint of lime and a fruity watermelon flavor. It was very hydrating and delicious. Then they gave us chips, guacamole, and salsa. The guacamole was fresh and limey, while the chips were warm and crunchy.
There was a mild and a hot salsa. The mild tasted like barbecue lime, and the hot had a smokey flavor. I preferred the mild. Then, Chef Raul came out and talked to us. He was nice, very funny, and entertaining too. He explained how he was inspired by his mom to become a chef. I have a food allergy and they were very aware and cautious, which I appreciated. The staff is super nice, the service is great.
They brought out brussels sprouts and smashed heirloom potatoes. I have never liked brussels sprouts but these changed my mind. They were so salty and flavorful and the bacon added a special touch. The potatoes were crispy and tasty. I loved them! Next, we got kale salad. It had chickpeas, quinoa, sunflower seeds, pomegranate seeds, and avocado. The dressing was a bit strange and sharp, but it was flavorful.
Next we had the Santa Monica chicken street bowl with farmers market vegetables, quinoa, roasted corn, green garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, and salsa verde. It was herby and yummy.
Chef Raul gave us a tour of the kitchen, where we got to see them making food. After that, Chef Susan Feniger came out and took us into THE BACK ROOMS, the employee only area, where there was super cool art. After that was DESSERT. We had chocolatey, delicious brownies with vanilla crumble ice cream, rich cream cheese and guava empanada, blood orange and raspberry sorbets, and churro bites, which were my personal favorite. In conclusion, I recommend SOCALO. It was a thrilling experience and delicious too!
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By Isaac Cobb, age 14
Kid Scoop Media Foodie
Founded in 2019 by the prestigious chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, SOCALO is located in Santa Monica. SOCALO’s cuisine is aptly described as “California meets Mexico,” and upon arrival we were welcomed by a warm clay brown ceiling, producing a nice effect with the honey brown tables.
We started with Watermelon Agua Frescas and chips and guac that blew us out of the water. The guac was the creamiest I’ve ever had, and the chips were warm and salted to perfection. Executive Chef Raul came out to meet us, and was friendly with our numerous questions about the food and restaurant.
Next came appetizers, the Smashed Potatoes were roasted, smashed, and then fried– these heirloom fingerling potatoes were my favorite dish. The light and crispy skin with the fluffy interior was great on its own but with the matcha aioli I immediately fell in love. The Brussel sprouts were also fried, and tied together with grilled onion and bacon.
From there we tried Mexican kale salad. With spiced almonds and pepitas, a red wine agave vinaigrette, chickpeas, quinoa, avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Spicy, sour and sweet, it surprised me. I didn’t know kale and brussel sprouts could be so delicious, but I expect it is in part due to SOCALO’s commitment to sustainably, with 95% organic food that is all sourced locally.
The last course was a Santa Monica Street Bowl with chicken. The roasted veggies and salsa were good, but the chicken was delicious. It was grilled perfectly and the whole bowl had a delicious salty-tangy taste.
After that, none other than Susan Feniger approached our table to say hi. She was nice enough to show us the private dining area decorated with pictures by Clark Oswald. After a few photos, it was time for dessert.
We were given four different desserts! My favorite was the brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, though the delicious guava empanada with a lemon sorbet, chewy churros with chocolate drizzle, and raspberry & blood orange sorbets were all wonderful and disappeared quickly.
All in all my experience at SOCALO was wonderful! I could really taste the quality and effort in the food. The staff was friendly and helpful. I would a hundred percent recommend SOCALO to anyone who wants a great meal and inviting atmosphere.