Le Sanglier Restaurant: Great French Restaurant in the Los Angeles Area
July 19, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
When I moved to Tarzana, I knew that the restaurants that were offered along Ventura Boulevard would bear some fruit (despite the sneers of some Westsiders). But I had no clue about the many options available for every type of palate. It was above all a pleasure to discover a lovely French restaurant that has been based in Tarzana for almost 40 years.
We learned about it through word of mouth – the location is quiet and unassuming. Upon entering the restaurant, you will encounter a long interesting menu of specials and a soothing dark sumptuous décor. Some of the entrees can sound a bit intimidating (beef cheeks, for example – yes, the actual cheek) but are ultimately delicious. My personal favorite is a dish of venison chops served with a Bordelaise berry sauce. The wine selection is mostly French, of course, and reasonably priced (for us winos, allowing an opportunity to broaden knowledge of non-California wines). One Wednesday a month there is a multiple-course wine tasting dinner, with the bonus that if you love a wine they will keep pouring it for you.
But the real appeal of this place is the fact that the owner, Gilles, and his attentive staff will remember your name every time you come, as well as your preferences. This is one of those intimate restaurants where you receive individualized attention that can be so rare, especially in these days of chain restaurants. There was one dinner we attended where one of our party asked for French Onion Soup – with no onions and no cheese (she was serious about this). We burst out laughing when Gilles took down the order without even blinking. At times, Gilles will sit down with you and chat, and will often offer you a bit of Porteau at the end of the evening. Watch out, though, if he breaks out the Armagnac!
Le Sanglier offers an authentic French dining experience that is unforgettable! Visit it online at http://www.lesanglierrestaurant.com/ and Bon Appetit!
Here’s a video of Le Sanglier celebrating their 40th anniversary:
Another Best Kept Secret: The Malibu Wine Trail
May 3, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · 1 Comment
One of the many joys of being a Californian is that you have a good excuse for being a wino. It is almost a matter of state pride to imbibe – this can also be passed off as sophistication (great bonus!) If you have the good fortune to have guests in town, and also have the even greater fortune that they don’t want to go to Disneyland or some other excruciating torture of a theme park, a wonderful option is to take them on a tour of California wine country. The Malibu Wine Trail, just to the west of Los Angeles, is indescribably beautiful, with thrilling switchbacks and breathtaking views (although be careful for motion-sickness – I learned this the hard way). On the way, the massive blue expanse of the Pacific next to the grandeur of the Santa Monica Mountains melts the hearts of even the most jaded Angelenos.
First stop is the Rosenthal wine tasting room, right on Pacific Coast Highway. (Have to lubricate on the way, after all, right?) The tasting room faces the beach and one can also watch the local fauna – Malibu joggers who seem to run in place and are alarmingly well-coifed for such a sweaty activity. With a turn inland, you continue to enjoy views of cliff-side chateaus that make one think that royalty does in fact exist in the U.S.
In the middle of the mountain range are three tasting rooms, each with their own flavor (literally). Malibu Family Vineyards has a green grassy meadow perfect for bringing your own picnic lunch and enjoying the scenery of the vineyard terraces. I’ve seen some adults playing on the swinging tires (no one I know, of course), but I’m sure they are great for kids as well!
Next stop is Sip, a charming tasting room with a cozy tiered picnic area and a nearby grill. Sip is often open later in the evening, which is nice, because I always found tasting wine before noon to feel a bit odd (not that I’m complaining). You can enjoy the festive lighting and holiday atmosphere as well as some big reds!
Last but definitely not least is the Cornell tasting room, which features some beautiful original art and has a varied selection of local wines, changing their tastings every week. The Cornell folks masterfully converted an old warehouse and it feels like you’ve stepped into a rustic past. Next door to Cornell is a long-time local restaurant, The Old Place, which although having a casual homey atmosphere, has an amazing chef (who I recently told the owner to chain to the kitchen so he can’t run away).
I haven’t even mentioned all the non-wine-related hiking trails in the area, so give yourself a few hours to meander and if you stumble and fall into the Malibou Lake, just don’t spill the bottle!
29975 Mulholland Hwy
Cornell(aka Augora), CA 91301
818-735-3542
www.cornellwinery.com
Wine Tasting in Malibu
April 30, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Malibu Wines is one of my favorite places in the Los Angeles area to relax on a Sunday afternoon. Have you been there yet? It’s a great weekend excursion with friends, a romantic partner, or even just yourself (hey, sometimes we have to take ourselves on dates, too!)
Located only few minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway (and off of Mulholland Highway), Malibu Wines offers a charming wine-tasting room in an amazing outdoor atmosphere.
Personally, I enjoy the Semler and Saddlerock wines; they have a great selection from which to choose — Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah — and I might as well say it, that it would probably be wise to take a taxicab or designate a driver.
My latest favorite is the Saddlerock Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 …delicious! Check out my short video below, to see the beautiful vineyards:
Usually open from Wednesday-Sunday, from 11 AM to 6 PM, they also often have musicians that play on the weekends. Make sure you bring a blanket if you’re going to stay into the early evening. The address is 31800 Mulholland Highway in Malibu. Let me know your thoughts, and if you’ve had any memorable experiences at the vineyards of Malibu.
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