Since I live on the westside, I’m going to start my LA posts with a little Santa Monica beach fare.  Cha Cha Chicken is located on my favorite part of SM beach – if you go a little north, it gets touristy; if you go south, it gets real dirty.  But right there, the beach is beautiful and pristine.

Oh and the chicken at Cha Cha Chicken?  Kind of amazing.  Order the medium jerk chicken with baked sweet potatoes.  And definitely, without question, order an agua fresca {pictured below is the mango guava agua fresca}.  Also, this place ain’t real fancy so don’t think you’re going on a romantic date here.  Instead, go with lots of friends for lunch, or even better, for linner {3pm} when there is lots o’ parking.

Plus, you kind of feel like you’re on a tropical island when you eat inside the restaurant.  It’s like a mini vacation!  On these dreary November days, a little bold color is exactly what I need.