A Taste of the Lake, Next To the Beach

If you can’t make it to Lake Como, Italy, stop into Locanda del Lago in Santa Monica for Happy Hour delights and a taste of northern Italian hospitality. Seven days a week from 4-7, and all day on Tuesdays, Lago serves a classy selection of things to sip—all made with seasonal ingredients fresh from the Farmer’s Market. Artisanal cocktails like the Sage Mist (Sage, Square One Cucumber Vodka, Prosecco) or Lago’s signature Caprese (Cherry tomato, Basil, Crop Tomato Vodka, Balsamic) can be enjoyed for $8 each (regularly $12-14). An impressive selection of flavorful wines are also available for $8 a glass, and all beers (imported and domestic) are just $3.

But what’s Italy without a little mangia? The half-price food menu boasts a flavorful array of appetizers, salads, soups pizzas and sandwiches. The Antipasto di Mare Caldo of Mixed Seafood and White Wine-Garlic-Parsley Broth is a treat for $6 and the Pizza Tartufo  tossed up with Stracchino, Truffle Essence, Arugula, and Smoked Prosciutto is the perfect authentic bite to share amongst friends at an affordable $6.50.

For a taste of the good life all the time, Lago also offers a “Recession Relief” menu boasting B.Y.O.B. Mondays with no corkage fees, Wine _ off Wednesdays featuring a selection of bottles from their “award-winning” wine list at half price, and the value-driven “Stimulus Package” offering Three-Course Dinners for $29 and Two-Course Lunches for $15 is available daily.

George Clooney might not have a famous villa near the Santa Monica Beaches, but Lago is sure to give you a Northern Italian experience and a taste of Lake Como (for a non-touristy price) any day of the week! Salute!