BY KAREN YOUNG
You don’t have to be French to celebrate Bastille Day on Saturday, July 14. Think of it as another reason to relish independence and experience one of the many multi-cultural restaurants in the San Fernando Valley. Or just pretend you’re French. From casual bistro fare to more refined indulgence, there are choices for everyone.
The cathedral at Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and a Parisian signpost. Photo: Mary McGrath
This restaurant in a Burbank shopping center is a surprise. Pairing mustard walls and wood furnishings, this stylish restaurant feels very country French. Check out their two-course Sunset Dinner from 5 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday for $17.50 (cash only) — or the three-course $32.50 anytime dinner. A la carte is available as well. 345 N. Pass Ave., Burbank. (818) 840-9050.
The originator of the $1 soup or salad, Cafe Bizou has made a name for itself for over two decades as a very reasonable and reliable restaurant with excellent food — albeit French with a Continental twist. Don’t miss the Monkfish served on safron shrimp risotto and fried carrots with a lobster sauce. It’s always packed, so make a reservation. 14016 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks., (818) 788-3536
California Canteen is reminiscent of a very casual, neighborhood bistro you might stumble upon in Paris or the South of French. The fare is a combination of French and Mediterranean with a decidedly California twist — and fair prices. The French Onion soup and Salade Nicoise will put you in the mood. Wine starts at $5.50 by the glass. Bottles also available. The Sangria is a must if you like the sweet stuff. (323)876-1702 3311 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Universal City
With locations in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills, La Frite has served up casual bistro food with an American twist for over 35 years. The Sherman Oaks location had a makeover thanks to Gordon Ramsey. Pick out the more French selections, such as crepes, pommes frites, croques and escargarot and you’re set. They’re celebrating with a special brunch on Bastille Day — or just order off the menu. Croque Monsieur anyone? 22616 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills / 15013 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 818-990-1791.
Just seeing the red exterior of this Sherman Oaks restaurant evokes feelings of being in Paris. The interior reinforces the look and feel with Parisian prints on the wall, white table clothes and provencal colors. Dine on black mussels poulette, escargot, coq au vin, onglet ‘l’ echalotte (steak) and pomme frites for a true French experience that won’t break the bank. 13360 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 501-7999.
Le Sanglier is an elegant and intimate restaurant that’s been a fixture in the 818 for over 40 years. Enjoy classics such Coquilles Saint Jacques, Escargot, Filet Mignon, Baked Brie and more. 5522 Crebs Avenue,
Tarzana (
818)345-0470.
With its dark wood, dimmed lights, crisp white cloth tables and chandeliers, Mistral has that serious French bistro feel. Dine on classics like Escargots a la Bourguignonne and Steak with garlic, parsley and butter. Indulge in a French martini or choose a wine selection from one of the best lists in the San Fernando Valley.14016 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 981-6650 .
Nesmon French Café and Marketplace
This casual order at the counter street cafe channels Paris with its sidewalk seating. Come by on Bastille Day and get a free chocolate Bon Bon with your meal. They serve up crepes, sandwiches, salads, eggs, soups, farmer’s market entrees, hummus with toppings, smoothies, coffee, tea (including fresh mint) and patisserie desserts. There’s a daily happy hour between 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. with prices at 20% off food and drink. Also, be sure to check out the wall boutique lined with French food and gift imports. Located just west of Fulton at 13333 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 855-8818.
Rive Gauche: This little hideaway has been quietly serving up French cuisine for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch in Sherman Oaks for over thirty years Eat on the outside brick and flowery patio hidden from Ventura Blvd. The menu is very traditional with a varied selection of salads, meat, poultry and seafood. 14106 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, (818) 990-3573
Karen Young in the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
MY DAILY FIND is expanding across the nation as a small biz opportunity! Want to own your own MY DAILY FIND SITE? Know someone in another city who might be interested? We’ll give you a $100 referral fee if they sign up. Find out how at www.mydailyfindsites.com
About Karen Young
Follow My Daily Find