Paired to Perfection Drink and dine like a local with these top picks of dishes and sips from a Santa Monica wine expert. BY S H E L L EY L EVIT T CHRISTIAN NAVARRO HAS GROWN ACCUSTOMED
to being asked for recommendations of where to eat and what to drink. After all, he’s the president and principal of Wally’s, the luxury wine retailer and restaurant operation, which has locations in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Navarro favors spots that offer comfort and fresh ingredients, and wines that have a long family tradition. In his own words, he shares his top sips and bites in Santa Monica. The Lobster
hard not to fall in love.
1602 Ocean Ave., 310-458-9294, thelobster.com
D I S H : Grilled Maine Lobster
An absolute icon in the Santa Monica dining scene. With its picturesque view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and incredible selection of seafood, it’s
C H R I STI A N N AVA R R O
Barbara County. Their stunning Cuvée Fleur chardonnay is an exclusive bottling for Wally’s and is named after my beloved French bulldog, Fleur. It’s full of bright citrus and floral flavors with a soft, supple texture.
Chardonnay Cuvée Fleur
Coming from the family behind Screaming Eagle, The Hilt produces some of the finest wines in Santa
La Vecchia Cucina 2654 Main St., 310-399-7979, lavecchiacucina.com
W I N E : 2018 The Hilt
HiHo Cheeseburger 1320 Second St., 310-469-7250, hiho.la
After opening in 2017, this quickly became one of my favorite burger spots in L.A. I can’t get enough of their New Zealand Wagyu, great fries and terrific milkshakes.
For over 20 years, this Italian neighborhood restaurant has been a perfect, cozy hideaway where guests can enjoy a true taste of Italy. Combining family recipes from Sicily with fresh local ingredients, the chef creates an indulgent menu of authentic favorites.
D I S H : Double
G R I L L E D M A I N E L O B STE R, TH E L O B STE R
8 8 S A N TA MON I CA OF F I C I A L V I S I TOR S GU I DE
Cheeseburger
D I S H : Rigatoni
W I N E : 2018 Turley
Bolognese
Zinfandel Juvenile
W I N E : 2017 Volpaia
For decades, Turley has been recognized as making some of the best zinfandel in California. The 2018 Juvenile Zin greets you with luscious ripe berry aromas and delivers flavors of spice, white pepper, plum and red fruit.
Chianti Classico
Pure and focused, displaying aromas of black fruit, tobacco, leather, earth and soft wild herbs, this Chianti from a Tuscan superstar is elegant yet powerful.
