The Busiest, Newest Bar/Restaurant on Montana Ave, Santa Monica: R+D Kitchen

Almost exactly a month ago, Sam and I were driving over to our friend Omar's house to pick him and his wife up before we headed over to La Cachette when I noticed this really busy bar/restaurant on Montana. Grace (sis) and I had lived together right by Montana Ave for a few years so knew that street pretty well. Lots of babies and doggies...aside from the hot men at Father's Office...a pretty quiet street.

Of course, my curiosity got the best of me, so when one of my best friends, Elnaz, and I decided to meet up for Friday night dinner, I picked R+D Kitchen. A little about R+D. It is owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group who also have Houston's, Gulf Stream, and Bandera. The overall decor was pretty sleek and simple.

However, perhaps it's bc this is their first month but the place was packed.

The front can be wide open to the sidewalk which creates this almost patio/Beechwood feel. That night the screens were up. It still had this open, airy feeling about it.

Notice the crowd is a little older here...I would guess 30-55 year olds...

This is my wonderful friend, Elnaz (I call her Naz) who I met four years ago at MTV. She's now an Account Manager at IFC/Sundance Channel. Amazingly accomplished for her age. She's not only one of the sweetest people I know, she's also a powerhouse.

I liked how you could see back into the kitchen. Made me feel like I was watching Top Chef.

Menu. Notice a few choices but a good number of things people would actually eat.

We started off with the heirloom tomato salad - I like tomatoes but with nuts? The nut taste was a little too overwhelming. Didn't get it.

I ordered the "special" which was a cod dish with spinach on the side. Cod was a little dry, sauce was pleasant but overall the dish was nothing to write home about.

Now Naz had this veggie burger - brown rice, mushrooms, almonds and melted jack..now that thing kicked ass. She gave me a nibble and the whole time I was thinking. Damn it. Wrong choice. Naz said "this is the best veggie burger I have ever had." Now, no joke here. This girl is hard core vegetarian (for an ungodly number of years...so better believe it). Plus I'm a meat eating freak and I loved it too!

For dessert we had this blueberry cheesecake which was more like cool whip on top of a graham crumble cake. Blah.

Now quickly, just finishing up the tour of the place. I liked there were books used as decoration in this restaurant.

But the bathroom? 4 stalls - man/woman/man/woman - with 2 sinks on the outside. Now call me old fashioned but I don't like washing my hands next to dudes!

Overall? The place was really crowded, we waited at the bar for about 30 minutes. They don't take reservations so you're pretty much stuck waiting. Also, they don't seat more than 4 to a table so large parties, go elsewhere. Saving grace was that veggie burger...

Tips? Go at a weird hour or expect the wait. If you're going for good eye candy this may not be the place. It's more a place for professional looking people in their 30s-50s have a pretty nice meal at the newest Santa Monica hot spot. Go to Beechwood if you prefer good looking people (and waitresses), some drinks and an open patio.

Who Should Go? People who like good veggie burgers. People who don't mind washing their hand next to dudes. People who can appreciate good decor but don't have that many friends. Kidding! :)

Wonderful spending time with you Naz. Till next time!

R+D Kitchen
1512 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.395.3314