Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, California, has long been an artist hangout. Lots of galleries of young artists to visit, meet the artists, and maybe even buy something. Now it is also a dining hotspot. Birdie G's is at 2421 Michigan Avenue, and is a wonderful spot for drinks, dinner or brunch. The indoor dining area is spacious and attractive, but the outside space is amazing too. This restaurant was never set up for outdoor dining, but Covid-19 required people to get creative. The people at Birdie G's created a large outdoor space, mostly covered with heaters, and very inviting. We sat outside and loved it.
The star of the restaurant is of course the food. Being part of the Rustic Canyon Family of restaurants (Rustic Canyon is one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica), you know it's going to be good. Jeremy Fox, an award winning chef, is in charge of the kitchen. The food is comforting, seasonal, and locally grown. The menu has influences from the US and Eastern Europe.
The items on the menu seem to be all over the place, with hors d'oeuvres from matzo and butter, to a pickled, fermented and marinated relish tray with five onion dip. My favorite starter was the button mushroom carpaccio. Thinly sliced button mushrooms topped with slivers of parmesean cheese and spices and olive oil. Delicious. The cornbread in a little cast iron skillet with honey butter was wonderful too. But my favorite dish was the kugel. Yes, kugel! Ricotta cheese, pecans and sage brown butter made this a fabulous dish that I can't wait to order again. Oh, yes, they also have matzo ball soup on the menu.
The rest of the menu consists of a few steaks, a lamb with Persian spices, and striped bass paprikash. We never got to dessert. We enjoyed a simple glass of wine, but for drinkers, there is a full, spectacular bar.
If you find yourself in Santa Monica in the late afternoon, try Bertie G's for a drink and eclectic dinner. Or, try it on a Sunday for brunch. You will be happy you did.
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