> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Amanda Cushman: A satisfying meal at Bandera on Wilshire
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/073108-story/
- Published: 2008-07-31T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:25:38.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Amanda Cushman Real Simple Food*

I HAD A VERY DELICIOUS AND SATISFYING meal recently at Bandera on Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue. The service was attentive and professional, the atmosphere soothing and romantic and the food was fabulous.

We ordered a couple of appetizers suggested by our friendly waiter — a grilled artichoke cooked beautifully and crab cakes that were on par with my own (which I have always thought of as far surpassing most restaurants). The artichoke was salted perfectly and grilled until tender with a smoky flavor,served with an aioli sauce that was garlicky and light.

The texture of the crab cakes was moist and flaky with none of that breadcrumb filler that many places use. The mustard sauce they were served with was pungent and lemony and a perfect pairing with the richness of the crab meat.

We moved on to lamb chops that were cooked to perfection (medium rare and juicy) and the accompanying sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes were just right. The spinach had been sautéed until just wilted and had a fresh citrus flavor while the mashed potatoes were rich and creamy.

My husband ordered sea scallops that came with a white bean ragout, both of which were cooked well and seasoned with fresh herbs. Scallops can be overcooked so easily which leaves them tough and rubbery but this dish was juicy and moist. The service was appreciated; a professional and welcome presence but not pushy or aggressive.

This dining out experience was such an unexpected pleasure — to find an atmosphere that is both enjoyable and seductive, service that is professional and warm and food that met all my expectations! What could be bad? The answer is, nothing. I trust you will go to Bandera and enjoy! In the event that you want to stay home and cook your own lamb chops and mashed potatoes here are my favorite interpretations of these dishes.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 31, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/073108.pdf?ref=smdp.com)