Umami's newest location inside Fred Segal in Santa Monica has been trying to open for the past two weeks but usual city approvals (or lack thereof) have caused a debut delay. Nonetheless, owner Adam Fleischman hopes to finally open next week because the space is very much ready with tables set, awaiting customers. So, check out the photos above for a looksee inside the cafe which was designed by Steven Arroyo, not a whole lot going on, simple, straightforward. What's quite different about this outpost, however, is the menu. Nine burgers are up for grabs with newbies like the Earth Burger (mushroom and edemame patty, white soy & truffle aioli, ricotta cheese, cipollini onions, lettuce, tomato) plus three Kombu Meals which include a burger, sides, and beverage.
Plus, not a huge shocker to see, but five salads appear on the menu because, hey, this is Santa Monica, and this is Fred Segal. Think standbys with an Umami twist: steak salad with hearts of palm and Parmesan, shrimp salad with crispy taro and mango dressing, chicken salad with North African spices and yogurt honey dressing, plus a market salad and the Umami salad. As for libations, all wines by the glass are under $10 with all bottles under $35, an eclectic, reasonably priced list of vino both domestic and international. Of course there's a comprehensive beer list to match with eight brews on tap, but the most interesting stuff can be found in bottles, three Hitachinos, Allagash Curieux, Chimay Grand Reserve, and many more. Umami will be open from 11AM to midnight daily with breakfast to follow in the future. Keep your ears to the ground because this is not the last you've heard from Adam Fleischman, hint, hint. [EaterWire]