R and D Kitchen...Great American Food

One of my favorite chain restaurants has always been Houston's, a restaurant we went to often when we lived in LA. Unfortunately there is no Houston's in the San Diego area. I don't know why, but hopefully someday they'll be there. The restaurant group www.hillstone.com (of which Houston's and R and D are part of ) has many different concepts, their newest being R and D Kitchen. I just dined at the newest R and D, in Santa Monica.

It's on trendy Montana Ave and 13th street, in the space that used to house Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The space has been completely redone. It is dark, with soft lighting over each booth. Yes, most of the restaurant is booths. It's sleek and contemporary, with a big bar, and lots of bar action. We ate early on a Friday night, and when we left around 7:15 the bar was hopping. No reservations, but the clientelle waiting didn't seem to have a problem hanging out and drinking while waiting for their table.

The only negative is the size of the menu. It's a small menu, but unless you eat there often, there is plenty to choose from. I had 1/2 Greek chicken with a lemon sauce, served with delicious, garlicky taboulli, tomatoes and olives. Really great, and it was just as good for lunch the next day. My mom had the seared tuna salad. Fantastic. Four large slices of seared ahi tuna on top of a wonderful salad that included fresh beets, potatoes, egg, olives, delicate lettuce leaves, in a lovely vinegrette. Other menu items included a great looking burger, a rubenesque sandwich, ahi burger, several types of fish specials that change daily, great fries served with dipping sauce, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even a steak. I can't wait to go back again and try something else. There were lots of appetizers, like hummus and fresh baked pita chips. The bar drinks are exceptional (so I was told) and they have a few desserts, including a fresh baked carrot cake.

This particular restaurant was busy when we arrived at 5:30 with young, old, singles, and families. It's a very upscale area, lots of trendy shops and restaurants on Montana Ave. The funniest thing to me was the family sitting across from me. Mother, father and two little girls around 4 and 5. I didn't notice them too much while they were eating, but I sure noticed them when they got up to leave. The dad went the the back of the restaurant and fetched two scooters for the girls. The girls got out of their seats, and were wearing pajamas! (Dr. Dentons). They got on their scooters, and scootered through the restaurant on their way out of the restaurant. Only in LA!!

If this sounds good to you, R and D also has a location in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, a little closer to home. Try it, I think you'll like it.