Food: Amelia’s Espresso & Panini
October 20, 2006
Please take a look at my side links. I’ve added a load of food blogs for your reading pleasure. I spent hours the other day going through LA’s food blogs and made links for some that I liked.
This got me thinking about my blog and food. I love good food. I love going out to dinner with friends. I miss that. I go out to eat maybe once a week, or maybe a few business lunches a week… you know.
While I have been to many good LA restaurants, one that I haven’t read about is one of my favorite places for lunch: Amelia’s Espresso & Panini in Santa Monica.
When I first moved to LA, I got a apartment in Santa Monica right off Main Street and this is one of the places I often visited for lunch. It’s very cute with the best panini I’ve had in LA.
Lunching at Amelia’s is a memorable experience. Recently opened in the enclave of Santa Monica’s Main Street, patrons are greeted like old friends while delighting the palate with authentic Italian fare. The family, combine their talents to serve Italian coffee, pastries, desserts and a sumptuous menu of hot and cold panini sandwiches optionally adorned with peppers on ciabatta, country white or baguette. A wonderful treat in the atmosphere of a lively Italian bistro where music and singing is featured on some Sundays.
Amelia’s is small, maybe seating 12, but outside there are several tables on the sidewalk. Order at the counter and Amelia will bring you your food. I usually got the Turkey Panini with roasted peppers, fontina, and pesto and it comes with a large side of baby greens and a biscotti. Combine that with a double espresso and wow.
They also have a nice selection of deserts, including Gelato. They have made to order salads, and even breakfast.
On some Wednesdays, they have live jazz from 6 to 8, but usually they close at 4PM. That’s the only thing I hate about this place is that I can never make it from my office in Hollywood before they close.
Normal hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 6:30AM-4:00PM, and Sunday from 11-4PM.
I’ll try and go this weekend and grab some pictures. Really you HAVE to try this place.
Amelia’s Espresso & Panini
2645 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-9095
And while I’m on the Santa Monica kick, the best farmers’ market in LA I think is for sure the one on Main St. & Ocean Park every Sunday. It’s all organic and about 50/50 ready to eat vendors mixed with fresh produce. Check it out HERE.
It’s great. People old and young just kind of hang around, lay on the lawn, relax… reading a book. Here’s a good picture of the vibe (click).
A restaurant review I’ve recently found that I can’t agree with more:
Posts
January 12, 2007 at 1:49 am
This is a comment for Jonathan about his review of my sisters restaurant.
Thank you! Mimi really does cook in the tradition of our family. There are five daughters and two sons. We all cook, Mimi is the best though. Mimi went on to season her cullinary talents and opened Amelias Esspresso and Panini Bar.
Anyway, I wanted to say that if you are having trouble getting some food cause of your working hours, well then Mimi, Raphael, and Gianni are the sort of folks that won’t let you go hungry, no matter what. Talk to them, they will figure it out.
Sweet blessing to you Jonathan
The little sis, ida
September 17, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I bet the food is incredible. I haven’t eaten the Medaglia family cooking in > 20 years, and can still remember it!