 THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CLOSED "Cachette" in French means hideout, and La Cachette is indeed one of Los Angeles' French escapes, an elegant hideaway on Santa Monica Boulevard. Ascend the small staircase from the street and enter into a sunny yellow dining room, somewhat reminiscent of Provence. Chef-owner Jean-François Meteigner has a long history with the City of Angels. For ten years he was the chef at now-shuttered L'Orangerie; then he opened this restaurant in 1994. Since that time, he has maintained a steady course of cooking, preparing French classics that an upscale clientele takes time to enjoy. We admire Meteigner's longevity and his commitment to the high standards that his restaurant has set forth. Start with the Provençal fish soup served, of course, with rouille; the Belgian endives salad; the roasted pear with melted Gorgonzola; or escargots prepared with great care. Foie gras is not forgotten since it comes in three preparations (terrine, sautéed and in a napoleon). Continue with wild salmon that Meteigner slightly smokes in his kitchen and lays on a bed of fennel sauerkraut. Diver scallops come in a harissa-lobster emulsion, with tri-color couscous. The squab also comes "three ways": breast, leg and "short ribs." We like the last version the best where Meteigner mixes squab meat with the gizzards and foie gras and serves it in a phyllo cup. Some classics like veal sweetbreads, venison chop and filet Rossini are also on the menu. The chef has created much more casual dishes at reasonable prices, too, under “La Cachette Bistro,” identified on the menu with a bistro chair. Since you are in a French restaurant, have a plate of cheese before the sweet chapter which has quite a few options. Chocolate lovers will choose the soufflé or the chocolate chip cake, while others will be happy with the tarte Tatin, the rhubarb and strawberry tart, the apricot tart or the homemade sorbets served with fresh fruits. You are sure to find the right wine in the large selection that Meteigner has put together to accompany his cuisine.
|
Send to Phone 
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
