"You’re going to spend a lot of money at Crudo e Nudo. That’s just a fact. But unlike the time you bought a sectional couch from Craigslist, had it delivered to your house, then realized its springs were broken, those dollars won’t be for nothing. The focus here is on sustainable sourcing and minimal waste, which means herbs and vegetables come from farmers markets, there’s absolutely no plastic allowed on premises, and the kitchen works with local fisheries and personal friends to find seafood that’s exactly right for them. Which, on paper, kind of sounds like a book report. But you’ll eat clams steamed in wine and fruity olive oil, beautifully plated crudos, and oysters decorated with purple wildflowers. And if tossing back locally sourced oysters on Main Street in Santa Monica doesn’t scream “I’m a responsible, cosmopolitan person living my life in a major city,” we don’t know what will." - brant cox, kat hong, arden shore