Michael’s in Santa Monica has long been a neighborhood gem on the Westside. Open since 1979, Michael’s has long been offering some of the tastiest cuisine and comprehensive wine lists, not to mention the rotating art collection, much of which was painted by owner Michael McCarty’s talented wife, Kim. Michael’s is beautifully appointed, with a large, lush dining patio. It’s upscale, yet friendly. I was slightly hesitant to bring Rhys to lunch on a Friday afternoon, but his excellent table side behavior and silly toothy grin charmed all who made eye contact with him. He was especially fond of the wait staff, gibbering with delight at each table visit, not to mention Michael himself, who told Rhys to bring his dates there for dinner when the time comes.
I digress. We’re here to talk lunch. and really, I’ll let the photos do the talking for me. I’m salivating here just as I think about the photos– a true sign that the food was just that good. Rhys had a tiny taste of most everything I ordered, including a bit of truffle from the excellent chestnut soup. Such an adventurous palate on that boy.
As I downed the last drops of my espresso, Rhys fished through Ramsey’s wallet to help pay the bill. What a nice guy.