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Wednesday
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Sunny. Mild.
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76°F/
61°F
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Thursday
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Mostly sunny. Cool.
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69°F/
60°F
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Friday
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Passing clouds. Cool.
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67°F/
57°F
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EXPLORE L.A. | | | | | | | Café Bizou Sherman Oaks14016 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks,
CA
91423
818-788-3536 | | | | | Description: SHERMAN OAKS. Excellent French cuisine and reasonable prices are standard at this casual cafe, where high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and fresh-cut flowers add a touch of romance. Featured dishes include California-inspired seafood and pasta entrees, including ahi tuna and braised short ribs. A $2 corkage fee and a "bring your own wine" policy allow you to have a marvelous French dinner for fewer francs than you might anticipate. Expect a crowd, especially on weekends.
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| 502 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
310-917-6671 | | | | | Description: SANTA MONICA. JiRaffe specializes in Californian-French cuisine as interpreted by chef-owner Raphael Lunetta. The two-level dining room is elegant yet comfortable, perfect for feasting on a seasonal menu that may include starters like roasted tomato tart with caramelized onion confit or roasted rabbit with herbed polenta. Entrees often include several seafood selections: pepper-crusted ahi with soba noodles or crispy salmon with parsnip puree, for example. For dessert, try Meyer lemon soufflé with blackberries. Knowledgeable, courteous service is a plus.
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| 2649 Mission St
San Marino,
CA
91108
626-441-2299 | | | | | Description: SAN MARINO. A favorite with romantics, this cafe offers intimate terrace seating as well as a more traditional dining room. The intriguing international menu changes seasonally, and might include parmesan-crusted swordfish with lemon caper sauce, and grilled chicken and roasted corn tostada. Breakfast is popular, with items like salmon hash and bread pudding French toast making regular appearances. But the desserts are the biggest draw freshly baked cookies, scones, cakes, and tarts are all tempting, or try the chocolate zinfandel pate. Most items are available for take out at the gourmet shop.
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| 10506 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles,
CA
90025
310-470-4992 | | | | | Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Chef-owner Jean François Meteigner's delightful, award-winning hideaway is quite a find, especially for those who enjoy fine dining but not the associated calories. Light French cuisine made with considerably less butter, cream, and oil is nonetheless exceptionally flavorful. To start, try foie gras prepared two ways, or sample seared fresh sardines with sour cream and caviar. Entrees include sautéed sweetbreads with lemon glaze and seared venison chop in blueberry sauce. Desserts make use of seasonal fruits and also include decidedly decadent chocolate creations. Excellent wine list.
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| 9630 Little Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills,
CA
90210
310-859-1100 | | | | | Description: BEVERLY HILLS. French for "Daily Bread," this café and bakery features warm, inviting European ambience and is a favorite haunt of models and celebrities. Even so, the establishment is not out to set trends or attract a fashionable crowd; rather, its main goal is to provide scrumptious, open-face sandwiches fashioned of items like smoked salmon, duck pâté, and fresh breads. After you've indulged in them, give yourself over to the cafe's delicious cakes, pastries, and baked goods too. A communal table is available, as are individual perches.
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| 8474 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood,
CA
90069
323-655-6277 | | | | | Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This one-time carriage house now houses a charming restaurant, and a patio out back takes advantage of California's sublime days and nights. Inside, exposed brick, aged timbers, and a comfortable bar set the scene. The menu changes with the seasons, although favorites like watercress and butter lettuce salad with bleu cheese and tuna are usually available. A good number of entrees are braised or grilled, including beef short ribs with sautéed greens, pearl onions, and horseradish cream. On Sundays, Lucques serves a four-course prix fixe dinner for $40, a fine-dining bargain. Reservations are required several days in advance, or you can choose to eat at the bar.
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| 1104 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
310-395-0881 | | | | | Description: SANTA MONICA. Traditional French decor and high-end tableware complement the cuisine at Mélisse and foster elegant, memorable dining. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of seasonal produce, and entrées may include dry-aged cote de boeuf roti for two with potato-leek torte or roasted squab with seared foie gras and citrus jus. For dessert, try a chocolate soufflé or crème brulee. The wine list is exceptional, and several selections are available by the glass. Dinner tasting menu $95 with no wine pairings; carte blanche menu $145 without wine pairings.
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| 13422 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks,
CA
91423
818-981-6650 | | | | | Description: SHERMAN OAKS. Before traditional bistro fare was so fashionable, this delightful restaurant was plying guests with incredible cuisine. Today, it remains a local favorite and one that most locals don't want you to know about! Steak frites, roasted chicken with potato puree, ahi tuna tartare, and of course, onion soup are a sampling of the menu's comforting classics. Dark, romantic atmosphere distinguishes the restaurant the only indication that you're still in the States is that you leave via Ventura Boulevard!
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| 12969 Ventura Blvd
Studio City,
CA
91604
818-990-0500 | | | | | Description: STUDIO CITY. Much-celebrated by critics and diners, this Patina offspring is a popular spot for California-French feasts in the Valley. Its classic bistro fare is served amid warm, stylish surroundings and includes fresh oysters, coq au vin, and grilled ahi tuna. Although you're guaranteed to enjoy the fabulous cuisine, make sure to save room for dessert. You'll thank yourself for the foresight.
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| 8164 W 3rd St
Los Angeles,
CA
90048
323-951-1210 | | | | | Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Although The Little Door has a big reputation, it isn't marked by a sign. But when you're one of the trendiest spots in town, you don't have to advertise. French-Mediterranean cuisine takes advantage of seasonal items, as proven by succulent lamb and grilled snapper. For dessert, take a peek at the daily "specials" blackboard and hope for something as delicious as the nectarine torte. A perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic getaway. The outdoor patio features a small fountain and candle-bedecked tables. Next door, the restaurant's patisserie serves breakfast and lunch.
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