Last week, Kyle and I took a two-day trip to Newport Beach. Just because.
We had no agenda, but we did manage to pack our days. We hit up la playa (Corona Del Mar); I found a bridesmaid’s dress for Jess’ wedding next weekend (better late than never, right!); we watched a good deal of soccer; and we washed Rolf (le civic).
These summer days have me sucking down iced coffees with soy milk like a fiend – reminiscent of my former days of employment (which were primarily caffeine fueled).
These carrot chips are fan-freakin-tastic. I got them at a generic grocery store and haven’t been able to separate my arm from the bag. Athenos hummus is also pretty legit. It’s on the creamier side and it’s cheap, too.
When in a bind, I turn to the Mediterranean for inspiration. Falafel, hummus, and a baguette. Elise, for the win!
Who wants to bet that I ate the entire baguette? [No brainer]
Oh, you know how I do.
Slow and steady wins the race eats stale bread. I plowed through all “five” servings like a champ.
After washing our car, going on a run and showering up, we were in no mood to cook. Since Newport Beach is Whole-Foods-less (a tragedy in and of itself), we went to Gelsons. They actually had a surprisingly impressive prepared foods section!
Thai tofu!
So good!
I had a big a$$ bowl of Trader Joe’s vanilla almond granola for dessert too. Grandma’s cereal cabinet is dangerously packed.
The next day was more of the same: beaching, lounging, soccering, yadda yadda (add in a trip to the mall & a load of laundry…and you may get an idea of exactly how intense my life is right now).
Lunch was a repeat offender delighter.
Rather than spend the night listening to my grandma shout at the Lakers, Kyle and I headed to dinner at R + D Kitchen in Newport Beach.
Pretty cute, right?
We ate on the outside patio area…which was perfect with the heater lamps.
We both ordered iced teas with Truvia. Yes, Truvia. I was pretty stoked.
The menu isn’t available online, so here you have it.
Veggie burger? Yes ma’am (but hold the cheese please).
I had no idea that this was in store for me. Wow. And I mean it. Wow.
The “burger” was made with brown rice, almonds, carrots, and other assorted yummies that I couldn’t make out.
It crumbled like crazy, but was effing delish. Aside from The Plant Cafe Organic burger that I had in San Francisco last year, this veggie burger was one of the best I’ve ever had. Ever.
The avocado put the meal over the top.
Kyle loved his meal just as much…maybe even more.
He ordered the fish filet of the day, which came with parmesan mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach on the side.
I was full, but amazingly enough Kyle had room for dessert. And what the boy wants, the boy gets.
Chocolate mousse :)
The service was absolutely perfect, they were attentive without being in-your-face. I’m really glad there is another R+D Kitchen in Santa Monica because I am in love with their food.
The next morning we woke up at 7 am to watch the US soccer game (if you can even call their sh!tty performance that) and then headed back to Santa Monica to sign our lease.
Yep. It’s offish. We are no longer homeless.
Congratulations on finding a home!!! x
that burger is a new concept but looks great!
Congrats on signing a lease–that is sooooooo exciting! It must feel good 🙂
Courtney
congrats on finding a home!
last time I went to R & D in Santa Monica, Arnold Schwarzenneger and fam were at the table next to us. no joke. he was a little upset that they didn’t have decaf espresso!
congrats on finding a home! your hummus and bread domination ways are inspiring hahaha
I’M STILL HERE!!!!! i’ve missed you! i’ve been so out of the loop and now i’m catching up.
phew!
do you have to live in cali to inhale iced coffee and carrot chips….
because if so then new york is the new cali
Mmmm that burger looks divine! How did I spend two weeks in Newport and not come across that restaurant?!
Congrats on the lease!
Also, based on your pictures and description, I’m going to try to recreate that burger soon.
Congrats on the new place! That dinner/lunch sounds perfect tonight! Wish I had the makings for a mediterranean feast. I LOVE a good veggie burger. That one looks so good!
Awww – I´m so happy for you, Elise!
Delicious eats, btw – gotta love falafel balls and veggie burguers!
😀
Wish you an amazing week!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
there is a whole foods in irvine and it’s one of the biggest in the states. it’s about 5 minutes from newport beach.
congrats on signing your lease! Athenos cucumber dill hummus is one of the best hummi i’ve ever had, BTW 🙂
UMMMM my girl Brittany lives 3 blocks away from R D in SanMo!!!!!!!!!!!!! That veggie burger is INSANE!!! Looks like we gotsa date!! Also, there’s another restaurant on Montana that has this RIDIC CHICKPEA burger!!! I die!!
Gelson’s is good but soo overpriced, no?
Glad you’re not homeless!! That baguette picture just made me laugh out loud – this is why I love you.
Where!?! I want a ridic chickpea burger!!