Kafe K in Santa Monica is my new discovery: sandwiches, soups and salads with ingredients that taste so fresh you think they're coming right out of mother's backyard. The food, art and décor is very Bistro style and it reminds me of my last trip to Europe, where the locals hang out in the small cafes to enjoy the taste of the freshest brewed cup of coffee.

Located on Main Street right south of Pico, Kafe K has only been open for a few weeks and has already become our new favorite lunch spot for the past three weeks. If you're a vegetarian, try the "Wild at Heart" sandwich with ricotta cheese and artichokes. I also love the wild arugula & pear salad or the spinach & apple salad. And if you're a vegan, no problem, the ricotta cheese can be substituted with soy cheese.

For the meat and fish lovers there's the "Simple Italian" sandwich with prosciutto, tomato and mozzarella, or the "Wrap Around" smoked salmon roll. Also try a plate of cold cuts or a cheese plate. Fresh squeezed juices and fruit smoothies complement the selection, and I just love the richness of their coffees and lattes. The teas are all organic and come in cute little tea pots that warm your hands when the temperature in Los Angeles drops below 65 degrees.

The owners Aleksandra and Nino always have a smile on their faces and make it their priority to have your breakfast and lunch experience be superb. Even though it's a café and you order your selections at the front counter, they will bring the order to you and lay the table with place mats. Very chic!

Kafe K is located at 2209 Main St., #B, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Phone: 310.256.2124