Gold Dig #14

Fig is the bistro in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. It’s one of the only hotel restaurants on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants list. Fig is an adorable place to go for brunch, which is what we did. It’s also a good excuse to wander through the enchanting Fairmont grounds even if you’re not staying there. Past the bar area is a seating space that makes you feel transported to a remote and relaxing vacation destination (even if you live in the LA area!). Sun streams in through the abundant windows and the doors that open out to the pool. Hanging plants dot the ceiling, giving the indoor space an outdoor feel. You just want to sit there all day sipping cocktails and snacking on the elegant fare.

The Dish

Fig is located just blocks from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, where they source much of their fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many of the dishes have a Mediterranean influence, like the ones we tried!

Lamb Sausage Pizza

The Lamb Sausage Pizza has pickled onions, yogurt, mint, and of course lamb sausage. Pickled onions seem to be the condiment of the moment – they seem to be on every dish I try lately. Not that I’m complaining. They added a nice zing to the tried and true lamb/yogurt/mint combo. The wood-fired crust was great too.

Kale Tabbouli with Shrimp

Fig has a selection of soups and salads to which you can “add protein”. We had the Kale Tabbouli and added Argentinian Red Shrimp w/Charmoula. Loved the fresh taste, and they weren’t skimpy with the shrimp!