My experience at Mercato di Vetro, the latest offering from SBE was, simply put, amazing! The Italian eatery, marketplace and bar, has the key ingredients to a successful restaurant. Visually stunning decor, a dedicated and upbeat staff, and palpable energy. The menu is made up of truly delicious, unpretentious food that everyone can enjoy! Executive chef Danny Elmaleh heads up the multiple kitchens. Just by watching the cooks move around in harmonious chaos, it seems to be working very well. Everyone loves to flock the latest hot spot in town, so choosing Mercato was easy for a girls night out. Housed in the old MI6 spot on Santa Monica Blvd, the two story venue embraces you right as you walk in. The faux “red carpet” staircase, mile high floor-to-ceiling glass wine case, and grey marble come together seemlessly creating the “wow” effect. Right away we were greeted by Tony pictured here with me, who checked us in and showed us around. 
A 9pm reservation is a great time to be in the midst of bustling restaurant. Luckily, my friend and manager, Kwesi Dei, was there to treat us to a round of champagne upstairs. With so much going on, we didn’t realize that thirty minutes had passed, and are table still wasn’t ready. The place is so enjoyable, no one wants to get up and leave! Kwesi explained this to me, offered another round, and promised to make it up to us once we sat down. He certainly made good on his word. Four women in towering stilettos can make for some pretty sassy customers, and you don’t want to mess with that! 
Having a really attractive staff makes it hard to complain about the little things! I wore a classic white Herve Leger dress, and subtle lace bra to complete my black and white look. 
The second we sat down, our server Micheal took over, and the food just starting flowing! Luckily for me it was almost entirely vegetarian, and as savory as it gets. We were treated to a medley of crostinis, including the asparagus ricotta, with brown butter, ceci giardiniere, olives, za’atar, and kale with ricotta, pine nuts, and currants.
I can’t even begin to explain how amazing this bread and mushrooms were, need more!
All the veggie side dishes were too good to be true. Artichokes, tomatoes, and beets with avocado. I am still dreaming out them…
Mussels sofritto, linguica, grilled bread and three types of pasta! From left to right, the Pescatore: shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, the Pomodoro: spaghetti, tomato, basil, and the Raviolo: potato, ricotta, egg. 
I love the tile floors and the bar counter tops. The chairs are really comfortable too, maybe that’s why it takes so long for people to get up and leave! 
Jeremy Gursey prepared us the most fabulous custom coffee creation, I have never seen or tasted anything like it. The doughnut holes for dessert melted in your mouth! 
The final and ultimate gesture on behalf of Mercato di Vetro, was treating us to the entire meal! Since we waited almost an hour to sit, they really made it up to us. This is how you treat customers, ensuring their loyalty and recommendations. Of course this doesn’t happen all the time, but it sure makes you feel good to know that good service still exists. Thank you to everyone that night, especially to Kwesi and Terrence. They know how to take care of the ladies! My girlfriends and I were truly delighted. 
Can’t wait to go back again, I literally have been dreaming of crostinis since I left. Make your reservation today! http://www.sbe.com/mercatodivetro
I paired my skirt with a button down denim shirt from Lucky, a skinny belt to define the waist, black star print scarf by Free People, Banana Republic felt hat, Kooba “Sienna” bag, MIA hiker booties, and DITA “Century”shades. This is a great look for days when you want to stay warm, but aren’t in the mood for jeans or leggings. Adding hats and scarves is the best part of the weather finally cooling down. It adds so much dimension and texture, allowing basics to come alive by breathing new life into them. We love red and pink!
Facebook
Twitter