Nestled in a small little village next to Silverlake lies one of my favorite French bistros called Canele. It has been one of our regular date night spots for years. It oozes romance and just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Basically like I’m living in a romantic comedy. 

We came very early as to get the last little bit of natural light because candle lit, while good for ambience, is not great for photos. We normally cozy into a two top table in the back, but tonight, we sat at the communal table to give you an up close and personal view.

We order wine and a few little snacks to start, while the incredible essence of browned butter rushes past as we peruse the menu.

The open kitchen is one of my favorite parts. You get a little peek at where the magic happens.

For years, Canele did not take reservations, so it was our Friday night ritual. Now they do, so by 8pm on a weekend, it’s usually packed. Plan ahead or prepare for a little wait.

After all these years, we barely even need to look at the menu. They have incredible beef bourgingon, but this night I was in the mood for their seafood stew, a regular special.

Mussels, clams and snapper served in a saffron fennel broth.

Even their vegetarian plate is great.

But let’s be honest, we come here for the happy ending. One sublime canele offered on your way out, so rich and buttery and if they weren’t so ridiculously hard to make, I probably would have tried to open a Canele shop by now (why they don’t have one is beyond me). They are not on the dessert menu. They do not sell them. Just one is offered as a little take away…a little thanks for coming, see ya soon.

Since I ordered a latte, they brought me one to the table, but usually you take one on your way out. Trying for the biggest canele has become one of our favorite little rituals and then we walk arm and arm eating them in slow motion, hoping to make the moment last.

Just a little while longer…

PS. If you do in fact want to make the evening last a little while longer, just a couple blocks away is one of our favorite wine bars called 55 Degrees. It’s hidden below a wine shop and feels like you are in the cellar of someone’s house. The serve cheese plates and small bites in case you are still hungry.

Photos by Ragan Brooks Photography

Canele.  3219 Glendale Blvd.  Los Angeles, CA 90039. 323-666-7133

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