Stickhouse Gelato Santa Monica
One of the things I love about Italy is that everybody, no matter what age or gender, enjoys a gelato in the afternoon. There's no excuse needed; there's no rationalization. It is just pure enjoyment. But here in the U.S., I sometimes feel like I am being judged if I decide to have an ice cream in the middle of the day. Ice cream is seen as a dessert or for special occasions but not as an afternoon snack. But, maybe that will change with Stickhouse Gelato.
With 92 stores around the world, including Italy, London, Germany, Spain and throughout Asia and the Middle East, Los Angeles is the location of the first U.S. store. Located in Santa Monica, just off the 3rd Street Promenade, Stickhouse Gelato will transport you to Italy as you are greeted by the young Italian staffers, Elisa and Andrea.
21 November, 2015
With ornate wrought iron fencing covering the entrance on 26th Street, it is easy to miss The Little Door Santa Monica, if you are not looking. There are no signs that pop out as you drive by. But, located in the former space of Mimi's, enter the "little door" and you are in a large open patio area. To the right is indoor dining and bar and there are two private rooms in the rear [who hadn't been to a bridal shower, baby shower or birthday lunch in those spaces when it was Mimi's?]. But what the Little Door Santa Monica offers is lots of outdoor dining space that will make you feel like you have been transported to a French Mediterranean village.....white washed walls with blue accents and lots of fresh greenery. While the space may be a perfect romantic destination at night, it is an ideal spot for a weekend brunch. 
