French Invasion

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte Opens in Los Angeles

It rained all weekend, which always slows down the pace of LA in a good way. We decided to go on a little travel adventure without leaving town in the form of a leisurely Parisian-style lunch at the newly opened Le Relais de l’Entrecôte—as in, it’s been open one week.

Come on, we’d better hurry before the lines are out the door (like they can be in London & Paris); they don’t take reservations.

Seriously, I’ve never felt more like I was in Paris than when I was actually in Paris.

The wait staff is dressed in uniform, and they address you in French when they come to your table.

Pardonnez-moi?

Though I was familiar with the bistro chain and knew they were known for steak, I didn’t know that steak is the only thing on the menu. And by the way, there is no menu.

We were told they have three red wines, two white wines and one rosé. It’s genius, really. I’ve grown tired of making so many decisions in life, haven’t you?!

It’s spring. I got the rosé, obviously.

And for les Américains,, a side of ice. Just like they do in France.

First course is a classic frisée with Dijon vinagrette.

The main dish is steak with pommes frites, both cooked to perfection and smothered in their famous secret sauce.

The steak is brought from the kitchen to a side table, where they slice it and keep it warm. You are served once and then the same thing again.

At the very least, come for the Profiteroles Au Chocolate.

Just so you aren’t shocked, our bill was around $100. Since there’s no menu, there was no way to know.

But as my mama always says, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. N’est-ce pas?

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte.  8755 Melrose Ave.  West Hollywood, CA 90069. 310-358-9021