Josie Restaurant – Santa Monica, CA
Defined as serving “progressive American,” chef Josie LeBalch’s namesake restaurant, (herself the daughter of a French chef) combines American cuisine with French and Italian touches. The dining room, decorated in soft taupes, can seem a bit spare, but the food and the fireplace make for a cozier setting. While the menu often features fresh ingredients found at the local farmer’s market, it leans toward the exotic: Buffalo fois burger and truffle fries, sautéed frog’s legs, and tagine of beef short ribs, braised Moroccan style, served with curried couscous. Wine lovers take note: On Mondays, the restaurant waves its corkage fee.

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