A Swanky New Parisian Wine Bar Opens in West LA

The proprietors of the former DaVita's on Wilshire between Barrington Ave and Bundy Drive sure knew how to drum up interest in their project, what with the wine-related quotes that papered up the windows during construction. Well now the paper has come down to reveal a lovely new wine bar, Belle Vie, that quietly opened last week in West LA.

The project of chef Vincent Samarco, his wife Chase, and chef de cuisine Cedric Nicolas, Belle Vie is a French bistro through and through, from the red leather banquettes to the kitschy wall art to the very French chefs manning the stoves. Samarco, a Parisian restaurateur and chef who developed a local following for his Le Cercle pop ups at Heritage Fine Wines, and Nicolas, a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef, aim to bring soulful cooking of their homeland to the Westside.

That translates to the requisite plates of cheese and charcuterie to pair with reasonably priced glasses of wine (only $5 during happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.). But the chefs also take inspiration with their new California locale with dishes like beef bourguignon tacos and Bangkok-inspired moules mariniere. Also on offer are a wide variety of specials that allow the chefs to experiment with what they describe as a "playground" of California produce. Check out the current menu here.

Belle Vie is currently open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.