The Perfect Spot For Romance | Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA

By Sophie Gayot

Santa Monica, March 21, 2021

The team of the iconic Shutters on the Beach hotel, under the direction of Franck Savoy, the Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, has created the perfect hidden jewel for a romantic moment around Champagne and crudos.

Chef Vittorio Lucariello has captured in his elaborate dishes the spirit of the hotel: elegance and style. Perched on the third level, the tables at “PT Experience” overlook the Santa Monica bay and the Pacific Ocean; depending where you are sitting you can catch a glimpse of the Santa Monica Pier. I suggest arriving at the appropriate time, meaning to watch the sun waving goodbye for the day in the ocean. Order Champagne or a variety of house-made cocktails, and for a while evade and forget about time, just enjoy both the scenery and the food. Listen to the wind caressing the palm trees and the rolling waves flirting with the sand.

The Italian roots of the chef are reflected on the menu with crudos and one pasta that is rolled in a Parmesan wheel. Every dish has been carefully thought out and crafted. Each plate is about one fish, which has it own accompaniments well paired with its taste.

“PT Experience” is a pop-up lounge open Thursday to Monday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. I can only wish it will be a long term offering. There is nothing to change (besides removing the mint on the Kumamoto oysters, a tiny detail in comparison to the overall unforgettable experience).

Note: The proximity of the ocean calls for products of the sea. If you don’t eat seafood, you will have to indulge in the citrus salad or the kale chips.