The Georgian Hotel Celebrates 80th Anniversary With 1930s Retro Menu

The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica is a symbol of old Hollywood glamour and the hotel recently celebrated their 80th anniversary with the launch of a 1930s retro dining menu and a prohibition cocktail menu, available at The Veranda Restaurant. The Veranda Restaurant is literally on the front veranda of the hotel, overlooking Ocean Avenue.

The retro menu includes items like Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad (grilled chicken breast, arugula, chopped apples, diced celery, candied walnuts, grapes and orange infused cranberries tossed with apple-orange infused mayo dressing - $13.95)

One of my favorites was the Mini Monte Cristo sandwich (black forest ham, roasted turkey breast, Gruyere; egg battered and deep fried, served with a blackberry jam dipping sauce - $9.75)

This was actually one of the best Monte Cristo sandwiches I've had since it wasn't overly eggy or sweet but still indulgent.

Vegetarians need not shy away from The Georgian since they have an awesome Veggie Meatloaf (made with fire roasted tomatoes, toasted walnuts, diced celery, yellow onion, fresh garlic, parsley, and green bell pepper blended together and baked. Topped with chunky fire roasted "ketchup", served with green beans in hazelnut gremolata - $12.75)

I liked this veggie meatloaf better than real meatloaf, seriously. I love what the walnuts added to the texture and it was so flavorful you won't even miss the meat. In fact, I would return just for this veggie meatloaf alone (but let's add the Monte Cristo while we're at it!)

Other retro entrees included a Steak Diane (with mushroom Madeira sauce) and pork medallions with lemon caper sauce.

For dessert, a fluffy Fresh Fruit Floating Island (baked meringues "floating" in sea of vanilla creme anglaise, topped with blackberry drizzle and fresh berries - $6.95)

Along with the retro menu they also have a menu of prohibition cocktails, including French 75, Negroni, Paloma, Brown Derby, etc.

Did you know that The Georgian Hotel had one of the original speakeasy bars in the basement and that it's still there? They even showed us the secret compartments where they would hide the booze when the police showed up! On the wall are photos of old celebrities that used to hang out here (think Clark Gable, Bela Lugosi). The bar's not actually open but you can rent the space for private parties.

The Veranda Restaurant at The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(800) 538-8147
http://www.georgianhotel.com/the-veranda-restaurant