With great neighbourhood gems like Bloom and Paper or Plastik cafe, Wilshire Vista has become an area we go to a lot. Another great gem on this stretch of Pico Blvd is Chic Wine bar, a place that defines what a great neighbourhood hangout should be: good vibe, good food and good price.
At first I wasn’t sure what kind of place Chic Wine Bar is. Californian? French? It’s call a wine bar but besides some small plates and cheese, their menu offers mostly standard bistro fares (i.e. steak, fish, pasta..etc etc). I like that all the entrees are under $20.
As soon as I walked in I knew I would like this place a lot. I love the cozy interior and all the awesome vintage french movie posters on the wall! (I’d like to take Alphaville home, thanks)
Sangaria, a special drink of the night. Small plate: Salmon & Avacado Tartar with meyer lemon vinaigrette, pink peppercorn. Fresh with just the right acidity and flavor. The pairing of the fatty meaty fish with the creamy fruit can get quite filling.
Fennel and Pear Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Prosciutto and Croustille. This is a special of the night. The light pear flavor and the crunchy fennel went well with prosciutto (I’ve never had it crispy like that before!). It’s a very simple dish that left me a strong impression.
Beef Bourguignon, a bistro classic, hearty and tasty. The beef was very tender.
Trout Almondine – I’m always fond of fish cooked with almond. Simple classic dish that’s cooked well.
Special of the night: Roasted Lamb with a Fig and Sherry Wine sauce served with Asparagus and Purple Potato Ravioli. The sauce was fruity and delicious, however the lamb was a bit tough. The Purple ravioli were sweet, lovely!
Chocolate mousse and espresso.
The bathroom wall is plastered with menus from restaurants all over the world, definitely worth to check out!
I’ve gone back few times already and so far I’ve enjoyed all the dishes I had there. They’re all classic dishes that’re perhaps not widely inventive but are well executed with very reasonably prices. I like that they have lots of daily specials and themed nights (ex: “moroccan night’, ‘Prime rib Wednesday’ ). I think “Wine bar” is a misleading title as it’s definitely more like a bistro. Check it out if you live in nearby neighbourhood!
Chic Wine Bar (323) 525-0234
5545 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
I love the hidden, lesser known places that pop up here! I’ve never heard of Chic Wine Bar, but I’d love to check it out sometime. Love the vibe and prices. 🙂
You got to try the moroccan wine there, pretty good. love the place !
Max thanks for the tip~ Will do try next time!
Marie, let me know what you think about this place!
Actually went to the grand opening party here, and it was sooo full of frogs, cigs and red wine. Tres fabulous. Since then, not 1 blog has written this up and every time I get their email pluggers I get weepy… So glad you discovered it!