This Santa Monica bistro dishes up small plates of American seasonal fare with imaginative flair.

In Short
Lest you forget that this Pico Boulevard boite is built on the idea of ''promiscuous dining''--where you're never forced to marry just one entree--sexy (and uber-tatted) Chef Jared Simons will remind you when he's walking around greeting guests like some unassuming rock star. Having revamped the formerly plain space, Simons has pumped up the volume (and proven his abstract street artist cred) with graffiti-esque splashes of paint along the white walls to counter the violet booths. The menu's song, however, remains the same, with seasonally-driven small plates that range from creamy macaroni and cheese (made with Serrano ham, leeks and gruyere) to perfectly moist northern halibut with vanilla risotto. For dessert, opt for the complimentary mini-chocolate chip cookies and shot glass of milk. (Photo courtesy of Violet Restaurant)