Panini

I totally <3 paninis so I have wanted to try local chain Panini (clever huh?) for some time. I've only gone to the one in Marina del Rey, but I know there is at least one other location in West Hollywood. Breakfast is served all day, but I of course go for the lunch paninis. My first try was a turkey and brie sandwich with cranberry spread. So good! I loved the gazpacho even more - it tasted just like the one I make without the huge mess in my kitchen. Second attempt was equally as fulfilling with a prosciutto, goat cheese, and red pepper panini that was simply divine! Here's the only weird thing about this place - if you want your sandwich pressed, you have to ask for it. But isn't a panini by definition a hot sandwich? Maybe I'm wrong on this one though.... The Marina del Rey location has a nice little patio they share with the surrounding restaurants as well as a decent interior (think slightly above Panera). Panini is also a bakery with an entire counter full of baked goodies if you make it to dessert. I also should mention that next door is Marble Slab - a Texas treat! All organic ice cream gets mixed with toppings of your choice before being stuffed into a freshly baked waffle cone. YUM!

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/151348/marina_del_rey_ca/panini_coffee_cafe.html

Le Marmiton

Not to be confused with Le Marmiton in Santa Monica or the one in the valley, though they are all French, Le Marmiton in Marina del Rey is a nice little patio cafe in the shopping center on Fiji and Admiralty Way. I believe there is a bakery portion indoors, but this place is best for a nice leisurely lunch with several options to choose from. The first time coming here I had one of my favorites of French fare, the croque monsieur (pretty much a fried ham and cheese, often served open faced). I was back again today and tried something that didn't seem at all French - a tilapia mango salsa salad, which was really good. At first I wasn't sure how much I was going to like having fish in my salad, but all and all, I didn't mind it too much. The group of us started with an order of truffle fries, something normally reserved for the dinner menu. They were served with ketchup and spiced mayonnaise that was all really addicting. My boss had the pasta bolognese for the second time in a row, so she must have enjoyed it last time. We've had to rush off today and I don't recall having dessert the first go round, but if it's anything like the rest of the food, it will be carefully prepared and presented in a clean, simple manner. A few downsides: even though it's nice to feel the breeze off the water, there's no great view here. You are pretty much looking at some shops (which isn't too bad), or the really big parking lot that accommodates customers for all of the shops, a bank, a post office, and a Ralphs. Bad news #2 - it's pretty expensive, ranging from $15-$20 for lunch. Still, a nice little relaxing treat for yourself if you have some time to spend - after all, with the hot weather you might find yourself drawn to the Pinkberry in the shopping center anyway.

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/41921810/marina_del_rey_ca/le_marmiton.html

Jer-ne

At the Ritz Carlton in Marina del Rey is Jer-ne. I've been here a few times and frankly, it's overrated. The breakfast is pretty bland with your run-of-the-mill breakfast menu with lots of eggs and French toast and a Continental breakfast bar. As for lunch, the menu is still pretty small, and nothing's really all that original or exciting. I was there with work today and wasn't really that impressed. For starters we had a truffle & mushroom pizza, which started strong, but then I had a beef salad for lunch. The salad came with carpaccioed beef, shaved parmesan, and truffle salad dressing. The beef was good, but the salad dressing was really acidic and strong, which made it hard to eat much of it. The two guys got sandwiches that looked the best out of the items ordered (there's really only apps, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, yet nothing is less than $15). Certainly the best part of the meal was the dessert. We tried the berry crumble and the cafe smores. Upon first read, the smores dish didn't sound too reminescent of an actual smore as it's described as espresso & chocolate ice creams in a martini glass on top of chocolate and marshmallow layers. Sitting on the edge of the glass is a graham cracker crustini with melted mallow drops on top. When you work your way through that, there are 3 cinnamon sugar donut holes waiting for you on the plate below. Probably the best reason to come here is for the lovely patio that overlooks the boats on the marina, that is, if you aren't there to look for celebrities. If it's basketball season, and you come when the Lakers are at home, you're pretty much guaranteed to see members of the opposing team hanging around the hotel as it's the official hotel of the NBA. Don't plan on parking anywhere but the $8 valet either. Just saying....

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/MarinadelRey/Dining/Jer-NeRestaurantBar/Default.htm

Sapori

Out on the crystal blue waters of Marina Del Rey sits Sapori. While I realize that this place sounds Japanese, it’s actually Italian. Judging from the outside you would never be able to guess that Sapori had so much charm. If it’s a pleasant day it’s far better to sit on the outdoor patio, but with the view from the inside you’ll still catch a glimpse of the yachts to dream of owning out in the marina. On the menu you’ll find true Italian fare, for example, shrimp served with the head on. For appetizers, the crab cakes are quite tasty, or if you’d prefer more of a sampler, there is an antipasta dish that comes with olives, proscuitto, and a few veggies. While there are several really delicious dishes on the menu, one of the best things about Sapori is that they’ll customize any entrée you wish. They serve a risotto special every day, but they’ve always allowed me to throw together my own (porcini mushrooms with truffle oil is wonderful!). The risotto is so good that it’s usually what I get when I come here, but I’ve had a few other things on the menu too. The spaghetti is actually quite good as are all of the pastas. During lunch they also serve paninis and some additional entrees, majority being fish. The portions are large (big enough to share or take 1/2 home), but if you can make it to dessert, it could certainly be worth it. I’ve only gotten that far once, and we had the lemon sorbet served inside a hollowed out lemon. It’s crisp and refreshing, like having a iced lemonade at a baseball game. I believe they also serve tiramisu and I’m sure have a few other desserts. You’ll have to forgive me that I don’t have it committed to memory, but I am writing this on the plane!

http://www.sapori-mdr.com/