Ten Toe TV San Francisco

Santa Monica's Main Street

This neighborhood is my very favorite in all of the LA area—which is why I decided to make it my home!

Santa Monica is an awesome beach community, and it can often get swamped with tourists, especially near landmarks like Santa Monica Pier and the famous Third Street Promenade. But if you go just a mile south on Ocean Avenue you’ll hit downtown Santa Monica and all the great shops, restaurants, bars and more on Main Street.

Main Street has the best that Santa Monica has to offer—a laid-back vibe, ocean breezes, historical buildings and architechture combined with modern, urban touches. You won’t find any souvenir shops here, except for a few postcards at the local newsstand. Main Street is where the locals go for the hottest looks (Planet Blue), casual Californian lunches (Urth Caffe), an ice-cold pint (Finn McCool’s) or an upscale dining experience (Via Veneto).

Caffe Rome

“You want to go where everybody knows your name….”

Okay, okay. Caffe Roma is not a bar. I didn’t see Norm hanging out in his favorite “spot”, or Sam taking orders from behind the bar. But, I did feel incredibly at-home. That’s what’s great about Caffe Roma- the minute you walk in, you feel like a regular.

Perhaps that’s why it’s a local favorite. Caffe Roma is a great place to go if you want to sit back, grab a cup of espresso, and read the paper. Or chit-chat with your friends. Or have a glass of wine. (Yes…they have a fabulous wine selection!)  Oh, and if you’re a big soccer fan, you’ll definitely enjoy the big-screen TV for your World-Cup and sporting needs. Plus (and this is a BIG plus, for me) there’s plenty of seating. It’s nice and roomy, and the staff is super nice. :o)

Oh, and did I mention on Saturdays they roast their own coffee beans- on the spot? Mmmm! More like Caffe A-Roma!

So, if you want a taste of the first coffee house to open on Columbus Avenue in 1977, check out our video at  www.tentoe.tv.  Arrivederci!

With A Cup Half Full,

Sandy

Stella Pastry & Cafe

OH.MY.GOODNESS.

Stella’s was heaven!  If you are like me- and have a weakness for sweets- you’ll be in sensory overload- guaranteed. It’ll hit you the minute you walk in….your jaw will drop, your eyes will widen, and your heart will skip a beat, as you take in the wonderful aroma of butter cream deliciousness!

Okay, okay- maybe that’s a little extreme, but what can I say? This is, essentially, the perfect pastry shop in the heart of North Beach. From fresh cream-filled flaky pastries, to tarts, cookies, cannoli, and a great selection of coffees & espressos to enjoy along with; you’ll be in sugar heaven!

Christina, the co-owner of Stellas, was nice enough to give me a close-up (yum!) of all the goodies…including the “Sacripantina”- the official cake of Stella’s.  It’s a multi-layered sponge cake with zabaione cream, rum, and cookies on the outside. The Sacripantina is often called their “claim to fame.” I’m sure a 40-year history of happy customers and to-die-for desserts doesn’t hurt either :o)

Need a preview before you taste-test? Check out our video on www.tentoe.tv and feast your eyes on a little piece of heaven! Enjoy. :o)

Feeling the urge…to splurge,

Sandy