Chill out with these fantastic local cocktails, salads, smoothies and frozen sweets
By Jessica Koslow
Summer is all about fun under the sun, which makes it equally important to cool off. Restaurants in and around Playa Vista are there to help with lighter fare, thirst-quenching cocktails and, of course, frozen concoctions that will bring out the kid in everyone.
Da Kikokiko’s authentic Hawaiian shave ice is way different than a snow cone
Photo courtesy of Da Kikokiko
Authentic Shave Ice @ Da Kikokiko
Not to be confused with shaved ice (aka snow cones, usually made from crushed ice), the shave ice at Da Kikokiko is the real Hawaiian deal. The ice is shaved right behind the counter while you watch, then it’s your job to choose the syrup (such as lemon-lime and blackberry), toppings (such as sour spray and dried plum powder), and fillings (like mocha and fresh lychee). Add small-batch ice cream on the bottom if you like. dakikokiko.com
Mango Con Chile Frozen Margarita @ SOL Mexican Cocina
Of all of the cocktail choices at SOL Cocina — and there are many — the mango con chile frozen margarita just screams summer. Mango puree rests at the bottom, and the rim of the glass is covered with dried mango chile salt. It’s cold going down, with the tequila providing an extra kick with each sip. solcocina.com
The Sunshine Smoothie at Hal’s Bar &
Grill blends kale with fresh apple juice, banana and lime
Photo by Emily Hart Roth
Sunshine Smoothie @ Hal’s Bar & Grill
Hal’s has been born again in Runway at Playa Vista, and this time there’s a juice and smoothie bar. With a name like Sunshine, it’s hard to imagine ordering a more perfect drink with summer brunch. The kale, fresh apple juice, banana and lime combo can be an energizing appetizer before diving into the delicious eggs benedict or popular turkey burger. halsplayavista.com
Soft Serve on TAP @ N’iceCream
Back in February, N’iceCream added its “on tap” services, and delicious flavors now line the wall. Pick from sorbets, yogurts, custards and gelato, with ice cream coming soon. Toppings range from fruit, nuts and sprinkles to circus cookies and peanut butter & jelly cups. The shop is open to all suggestions for what to stock, and it recently added a kids’ table, with more upgrades in the works. nicecreamusa.com
Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita @ Gulp Restaurant & Brew Pub
New on the menu for summer, Gulp has heeded the thirsty cries of their customers and added a watermelon jalapeno margarita to their drinks menu … because it seems as though there isn’t a soul in California who doesn’t like spicy. Adding jalapeno to anything — especially a summer margarita — is a no-brainer. playavista.gulpbrewco.com
Photo courtesy of Hopdoddy
Summer Baby Kale Salad @ Hopdoddy Burger Bar
‘Tis the season when the baby kale salad morphs into the summer baby kale salad — which means the roasted butternut squash, corn and dates are tossed aside in favor of adding diced watermelon, avocado and sunflower seeds to the mix. It’s a refreshing and lighter choice for those who can resist the temptation to order one of their juicy burgers. hopdoddy.com
Salmon Skin Salad @ Sweet Fish Sushi Bar and Restaurant
It’s true that sushi is already a lighter meal choice on sun-filled days, but the salmon skin salad adds a bit of crunch and zest to the menu. Mixed greens hold cucumber, radish, gobo (a root like a carrot) and green onion, topped with bonito flakes and garlic ponzu dressing. It’s a healthy meal that’s full of flavor but won’t weigh you down.Plus, you can pair it with sparkling sake. sweetfishsushi.com
The Michelada @ The Astro Pub in Whole Foods
The Astro Pub inside the Playa Vista Whole Foods can boast a few cooling summer drinks, but the michelada stands out. It’s an authentic Mexican lager (Modelo Especial) mixed with Powell & Mahoney Sriracha Bloody Mary Mix, organic Worcestershire sauce and chile powder on the rim. They say sweating cools you down in the heat — naturally! wholefoodsmarket.com
Summer Superfood Salad @ Urban Plates
This summer dish is a burst of healthy balanced with a fun mix of flavors and textures. Gluten free and vegan, the salad contains kale, strawberries, fennel, cabbage, pickled red onion and pumpkin seeds — all topped with chia orange turmeric vinaigrette. To drink, try one of the seasonal replenishers, such as strawberry basil lemonade or watermelon. urbanplates.com/playa-vista
The Chocolate-Covered Frozen Cookie Dough Lollipop tempts from the freezer case at Playa Provisions
Photo courtesy of Playa Provisions
Chocolate-Covered Frozen Cookie Dough Lollipop @ Small Batch in Playa Provisions
The Small Batch ice cream case greets everyone who walks through the doors of Playa Provisions, a multi-concept culinary destination in nearby Playa del Rey. On top of the case, a waffle cone sprinkled with multi-colored Rice Krispies is a monument to temptation, but just a few steps off to the side there’s a tall freezer displaying a unique frozen treat: a cookie dough lollipop covered with chocolate. Eat it there, or take it to the beach. playaprovisions.com
Leave a Reply