COVID-19 and the Search for a Taste of France in Los Angeles

As a true Francophile and avid gastronome, I am always on the quest for a superb restaurant in Los Angeles with a French flair. One year ago, I had the pleasure of dining and writing about the new and creative haute cuisine tasting-menu at Auburn Restaurant in Hollywood. After a culinary education including stints in Paris at Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Les Ambassadeurs at the Hotel de Crillon, Chef Yost brought all his talent to the fore (or ovens) at Auburn.

Part of Auburn’s bar menu: skewers, sea bream, pâté & more. © Facebook, Auburn LA

That was then. Fast-forward to today, where the restaurant industry is reeling and Auburn has closed its doors. Chef Yost made the difficult decision to close, stating “it boiled down to economics.”

This follows the closure of Bon Temps, the Arts District modern French brasserie recognized by Los Angeles Magazine in 2019 as one of the city’s 10 Best New Restaurants. No longer will we be able to have their spectacular St. Honoré cake and eat it too.

Photo © Facebook, Bon Temps LA

As we wait for the new “normal”, those Angelenos seeking a small French “fix” can patronize the following restaurants that have transitioned to the only path available – Delivery or Takeout. The following list includes many that have managed to remain open:

République Café, Bakery, Restaurant (Mid-City) – Open for prepared foods and grocery items- Delivery and Takeout

Jean-Georges (Beverly Hills) – Takeout

Lucques (Hollywood) – Delivery and Takeout

Violet Bistro (Westwood) – Delivery and Takeout

Petit Trois Le Valley – Goods Store (Sherman Oaks) available for Local Delivery and Takeout.

Meet in Paris French Bistro (Culver City)
Takeout Available

Pasjoli- Luxe Parisian Bistro (Santa Monica) – Delivery and Takeout

Dialogue (Santa Monica) – Takeout 3-Course Dinner and Wine. Curbside pick-up.

Clearly, restaurants need our support. Those who are looking for a French restaurant meal while maintaining social distancing can satisfy both needs. So, place an order, and bon appétit!

Hungry for more?

Head to online to Taste of France here.

Purchase the Taste of France magazine here, your French foodie bible packed with 50+ recipes, features and foodie insights.

Grilled duck breast with richard olney’s white purée,
roasted nantes carrots and sherry glaze. Photo © Facebook, Lucques