Jean Francois Meteigner’s new La Cachette Bistro in Santa Monica opened in mid-August for dinner only, and beginning this week, will open for happy hour and weekend brunch as well. The space goes for a design meant to evoke a modern California- and French-inspired space with red banquettes, wood floors, hazelnut wood walls, and a dark green granite-topped bar and tables. A collection of rare original bistro posters and art from chef Jean Francois’s private collection deck the walls.
The dining area seats 60, a private room accommodates 18, and a 1,000-square-foot bar area seats 40. The private, glassed-in patio seats 80.
The menu is Francois’s interpretation of California-French bistro fare with most ingredients sourced in state—like produce from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Menu items include lightly smoked Alaskan true cod with organic salmon sausage, fennel sauerkraut, and fennel lemon sauce; house-cured smoked trout with warm fingerling potatoes and frisée with shallot dressing; and organic beef burger with tomato, grilled onions, fig chutney, and mixed blue cheeses, served with fries.
Mixologist Mark D. created a list of signature cocktails designed to compliment the bistro menu. Examples include a rhubarb bellini with cassis liquor, rhubarb puree, and champagne; a mimosa using Grand Marnier, mandarin orange juice, and champagne; and the "Iceberg" with pear vodka, apricot liquor, and ice cream. The house vodka, Rain, is organic and domestic and the bar will also carry organic infused vodka and gin. Many of the wines are organic and biodynamic.
