Margo’s (1534 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA) officially opened in mid November and Tyler and I were lucky enough to check it out this past weekend. It’s the latest concept from the family-owned hospitality group, On The Verge Hospitality, by Mark and Lani Verge. Named after proprietor Mark Verge’s mother, Margo’s, is the perfect addition to Montana Avenue. Paying homage to Margo and the Verge’s family history (his roots go back five generations in Santa Monica), Margo’s has an inviting, intimate atmosphere with seasonal cuisine.
Executive Chef Greg A. Daniels, formerly Executive Chef of Salt Air, is in the kitchen and presenting an eclectic menu of “California-Modern” small plates and dishes. As for the bar program, headed by Jordan Delp, Margo’s bar serves classic cocktails and house originals as well as select California wines, and artisanal craft drafts. We began our meal with some drinks, including the Crane’s Demise made with rum, organic pumpkin, egg and nutmeg. It was literally the holidays in my glass and absolutely delicious without being too heavy.
We started off out meal with the crudo of hamachi, sprouted lentils, leek vinaigrette, and espellete, and the grilled octopus with beluga lentils, chorizo, pickles peppers, and herbs. Pairing the fish with lentils rather than other starches, gave the dishes a healthier twist and allowed the dishes to have a refreshing feel. For dinner, we tasted the Snapper with chili oil, bok choy, celery root, kombu, and sweet potato and the lamb saddle with navy beans, maitake mushrooms and caramelized onions. The fish was perfectly prepared and worked well with the Asian twist. The lamb was perfectly cooked and I loved it paired with the mushrooms. It was a hearty, yet healthy dish.
From the decor, to Margo’s artful menu design with classical chic images of Verge’s mother traveling across Europe, to the delicious food and cocktails, to how Margo’s staff really worked as a team, this is a must visit when you are in Santa Monica. Margo’s food philosophy and design really captures the classic vibes with a modern-mid century atmosphere where you will want (and are welcome) to linger longer.
