After operating their Mar Vista storefront for three years, Boo and Sarah Simms are bringing all things cheese to a second location in Santa Monica at 828 Pico Blvd. Known for its ornate cheese boards, lunch offerings and selection of hand-picked artisanal gods, the newest Lady & Larder location is slated to open on May 1.
Unlike their flagship, liquor permits are pending for the new Santa Monica location, and the Simms sisters intend to introduce a line of hand-selected, locally-brewed beers and wines. The new Pico Boulevard location is also just a stone’s throw away from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, where Lady & Larder sources the majority of its goods.
“In the last year, we’ve realized how precious food is and how lucky we are to have access to good food. that’s our biggest focus, to be able to supply beautiful food and produce to people,” Sarah Simms told What Now Los Angeles. “We’re opening in a city that [currently has] a lot of boarded-up space. We’re hoping that we can contribute to the city opening back up a bit, which everyone is anxious for.”
Previously focused on catering large events like parties and weddings, Simms said that the pandemic has shifted the focus of Lady & Larder. Their Mar Vista store has launched a full lunch menu, consisting of salads, a number of tiny personal cheese boards and sandwiches made from local produce. One of their most popular sandwiches, Simms said, is the “Yes, Honey,” made with Hobb’s turkey, Fra’mani ham, Hooks 5-year cheddar, Kaylin & Hobb’s honey mustard pickle relish and shaved gem lettuce and mayo on sesame Bub and Grandma’s bread.
Sundries like toilet paper, pasta, eggs and dry goods were put on their shelves during the onset of COVID-19 — Simms said that Lady & Larder “listened to what the neighborhood needed.
Of course, locally-sourced items like flowers, dried fruit, nuts, honey, and jams — all the accompaniments that go with cheeses — are still the cornerstone of the business. Cheeses at Lady & Larder’s expansive cheese monger’s counter are all sourced in America with a heavy focus on California-based creameries.
