Drive up to this cute coffee shop on Pico Blvd in Santa Monica, and you will instantly want to go in. The unassuming front of the shop is brick (love), and there is parking in the back. Flying Saucers is pretty serious about their coffee and food. With homemade bagels, clear glass coffee mugs and free wifi, you are destined to leave happy.
This coffee shop was our first stop for our free-day friday. We walked in and it was a bit odd. Silence filled the place, and I felt a bit awkward. However, I was completely in love with the atmosphere - the little clear tables and futuristic chairs, the giant brick wall and funky lighting, and the delicious pastry selection with giant dome covers. The floor was giant slabs of concrete which gave the whole place an industrial feel; but paired with a cozy couch and some music, the atmosphere softened. The front door and entire front wall was floor to celling glass, allowing for lots of light.
I ordered a straight up cup of coffee with a sesame bagel. When asked if I wanted milk, I asked for 1/2 & 1/2, thinking it was odd that they didn't have it sitting on the counter. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when my giant clear mug of coffee came out with a mini pitcher of steamed cream. Now that is a nice touch that I could get used to. The bagel came perfectly toasted with the cream cheese already applied - no skimping here! Marielle and I sat here for some time sipping and eating. The coffee was very strong (sooo good), and once the music came on, we felt that we could sit and chat for hours. There was plenty of artwork on the walls to look at and purchase.
After our coffee adventure, it was time to hit the beach. It was a beautiful day to walk around the beach and just hang out. I collected some shells, and some ladybugs! These guys were way to close to the water, so I saved them.
After I set the ladybugs free, the beach repaid my good deed by allowing me to step in a glob of tar... twice! Then I got so distracted trying to rub my feet clean, and having Marielle try to scape it off with my shells, that I lost my shoes. I had to go hunting for them, and got them before the ocean could steal them! This was all very stressful, so we headed for the swings. After laughing the stress away, I decided to drink it away as well. Thankfully, Santa Monica has a Cabo Cantina with 2 for 1 margaritas! The day started off and ended on an excellent note, and I can't wait to go back.
