Category Archives: Wren Bistro

BABALU BAKERY & RESTAURANT… “A Montana Avenue Locals’ Favorite!”

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We stopped for lunch at a corner restaurant in Santa Monica called Babalu. Our first impression was a good one. The establishment’s exterior motif displayed a Caribbean appeal with a Cuban flair. Bamboo and wooden blinds enhance the island feel, while inside the ambiance is continued. If you close your eyes for a moment once seated, you might almost believe that you aren’t on the mainland anymore…but on a tropical island with the wind blowing past you and bongo drums on hand to match the rhythm of the island atmosphere around you…

Bamboo ceilings, ceiling fans, tropical hues and an upbeat and eclectic decor inside the restaurant keep the carefree feeling flowing, while a friendly and courteous waitstaff attends to your requests.

On our last visit to Babalu, we weren’t quite sure what to select from their extensive array of available options. It all sounded so delicious. The interior was relaxing, the seats were comfortable, and the cuisine being served around us to other patrons appeared colorful and smelled amazing.

After perusing the menu for longer than we probably should have, we decided on a couple of entrees for lunch…

Turkey Burger

My husband selected the Turkey Burger, which was a blend of lightly spiced ground white turkey and bell pepper topped with fresh slices of avocado, grilled zucchini and fried leeks on a sesame Kaiser roll and slaw on the side. A choice of fries or a salad accompanied that, and it was all for just $11. This was a tender, expertly prepared and juicy turkey burger. One of the best we’ve tasted in a while. The sesame Kaiser roll used as a bun was soft and tasty and the slaw was crunchy and sweet with crisp, hot fries alongside.

Babalu Tacos With Roasted Vegetables

I chose the Babalu Tacos to enjoy. This dish comes with two soft shell flour tortillas stuffed with fresh avocado, Pico De Gallo, cheddar and jalapeno jack cheeses and crunchy lettuce and Napa cabbage. Black beans and a sensational pineapple-coconut rice is served on the side. I decided on the roasted vegetables to accompany my tacos for $11, however, you can instead add tender sliced chicken for $12, fish (Mahi Mahi) for $14 or grilled shrimp for $15.

Both choices were savory, enjoyable and we both agreed that we would order them again and recommend them to others. A terrific spot along charming Montana Avenue among an array of shops and eateries. Sometimes it can get confusing knowing where to go. Most times, it’s a good idea to eat where the locals do. Babalu falls into that category, because this is certainly a locals favorite!

Oh, and don’t forget that Babalu was selected as one of AOL’s ‘Top Ten of the City’s Best Desserts’! So don’t be shy to try a slice of one of the sumptuous sweet temptations before you leave. Or just order an entire creation to take home or give as a much-appreciated gift!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Fun Caribbean and Cuban feel with an island ambiance!
  • FOOD / DRINK: Fresh vegetables, ambrosial cuisine options and refreshing presentations.
  • LOCATION: Babalu is located at 1002 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, CA 90403.
  • HOURS: Open for breakfast from 8 AM – 11:30 AM Saturdays and Sundays, brunch from 11:30 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, lunch from 11 AM – 5 M Monday through Fridays then for dinner 5 PM – 10 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and again from 5 PM – 11 PM for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, there are many options of times during the day in which you can enjoy Babalu’s fine offerings. (Closing hours sometimes vary, so just call ahead is you’re planning a late bite!)
  • SERVICE / STAFF: We encountered friendly efficient service and witnessed the same being offered to customers around us.
  • PRICE / VALUE: $11 for each of our entrees at lunch? For the quality of the food provided and the casual, yet Caribbean ambiance, we were not at all disappointed.
  • CORKAGE FEE:$15 per 750ml bottle.
  • PARKING: Metered street parking is available along Montana Avenue as well as nearby side streets.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our final bill came in just over $30 for a couple of drinks, the Turkey burger and the Babalu Tacos with roasted vegetables.

Babalu on Urbanspoon

Babalu Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

WREN BISTRO, BAR & MARKET… “A Charming Place For Lunch!”

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A short distance from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park along the Beaufort River in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina sits Wren Bistro. A restaurant, wine bar and market, this trendy upscale eatery will satisfy anyone who steps foot inside.

The exterior of the corner bistro is in a word…charming. Just as it’s host town of Beaufort is. The simple white building facade highlighted by tall palm trees and creative signs just welcomes you inside. Located on popular Carteret and Port Republic Street, this location is easy to find, worth the drive if you live in surrounding areas and will leave you speechless with their superior tact, professional and friendly service and impressive appetizing offerings and general setting.

No detail was left out when Wren Bistro’s owners thought about a design concept for their new establishment. Above, the elongated comforting full bar, a retail area of the restaurant offering wines and other gourmet goodies, Wren Bistro’s signature logo, dining room window ledges lined with decorative candles, a huge wooden adirondack-style chair and a few of the tables in front of the bar. Certainly very eclectic, well thought-out items of decorative interest, and most definitely all are terrific conversation pieces!

We started out lunch by being seated near a large window that offered a view of the busy town street and the rustling palm trees right outside. Menus and iced water were then given to us as we started to peruse our meal options.

Above, the Mango Iced Tea is a “must-order”. If you enjoy southern sweet tea, this mango-flavored refreshing beverage is mandatory to enjoy. We also enjoyed the Tablatine Martini made with vodka, lemongrass-infused pineapple juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice and fresh pineapple. The epitome of a perfect cocktail!

Lobster & Shellfish Bisque

The Lobster and Shellfish Bisque was scrumptious! Made with jumbo lump crab meat in a shrimp and lobster sherry-laced bisque. Superior taste, mouthwatering and an incredible starter to any meal at Wren Bistro.

Okay, this is my favorite lunch item at Wren bistro. If you love a really good gyro sandwich, this is the place for that. I can’t remember how many times I’ve ordered this gyro sandwich for lunch. At least eight or nine times in the last year. Really. This sandwich is THAT good. Wren Bistro’s Greek Wrap includes mildly-spiced lean lamb, tangy feta cheese, an out-of-this-world tzatziki sauce, fresh lettuce and tomato and onion all carefully wrapped in a soft pita. Definitely an enjoyable experience!

Greek Wrap

Another favorite of ours is the Southwest Salad below. This expertly-prepared vibrant dish consists of grilled chicken, roasted corn and peppers, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips and cheddar and monterey cheeses.


          Southwest Salad 

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale, yet Lowcountry. High end, yet casual and relaxing. Sophisticated with a southern feel.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Fresh large salads, creamy mouthwatering soups, savory lamb sandwiches and perfect martinis expertly blended with care.
  • LOCATION: Wren Bistro is located at 210 Carteret Street in Beaufort, SC 29902.
  • HOURS: Wren Bistro is open for business Monday through Saturday for lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, an “In Between” Menu from 3 PM to 5 PM, and for dinner from 5PM until 10PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Always friendly, conversational and very efficient.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Terrific! We’ve always been happy when we’ve visited Wren Bistro!
  • CORKAGE FEE: $10 per bottle during lunch, “In Between” time, and dinner.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our lunches never exceeded more than $35 for both of us including cocktails, tea, salads and other items on the multifarious menu at Wren Bistro.

Wren Bistro, Bar and Market on Urbanspoon

Wren Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.