It would be nice to spend a day or year in Paris, France. Take a trip down the french canal, dining out at the most savory restaurants, sightseeing at some of the most historical and beautiful tourist attractions. Who wouldn’t want to spend time there? I would!
Well, that dream has to wait, so at this time, I’m all for second best.
Zinque beer and wine bar, is as close as it might come with their popular french ambiance and setting. I was introduced to the Melrose location during their early Happy Hours. Efrem is accustomed to traveling in many parts of the world and more frequently Paris, France, so his idea to sit down and unwind would be more routed towards anything that shows a little more international culture. Me on the other hand, when I’m hungry, I’m hungry and pint sized morsels of food just doesn’t cut it.
On this particular visit, we chose the Venice beach location; I didn’t order anything from the full size menu and only stuck to the bite sized finger foods. So if you’re planning on a full course meal, I’d suggest something more filling. If you’re looking for something a little more quaint where you’re not necessarily there for the food, but more so for a social gathering or intimate play date, then this is the spot you want to be. At both locations, you’ll find it being a little more traditional and authentic as a few of the servers happen to be french or have spent some time living in the wonderful country of love, romance and elegance.
The happy hour consists of extremely small portions of quiche, flat breads, little sausages, basically portions big enough for a child. During our first visit, we had the quiche, sausages, and salami with dills.
I wasn’t all that thrilled. The drinks on the other hand are adult size which I’ve become a fan of their sangria. I preferably wouldn’t think to eat here for happy hour off of olives, cheese plates and peanuts as I said that particular menu can be left to feed a hamster.
Even though I haven’t experienced the nightly hours which I’ve heard is more popular, I’ll leave my options open. What I did enjoy about this spot is the tranquility.
You don’t feel the need to be seen or impress anyone within the closeness of your surroundings. It kind of gives off a very calming vibe; not too over the top, but not at all dull. On this visit, we tried something different. Something more near the beach as the salty breeze from the distant ocean made our experience all the more relaxing. Relaxing enough where they had no reservations at this location of dress code. Two modern day Tarzans walked in shirtless, not saying I didn’t mind, and sat across from us. Unlike the rest of the crowd they looked like your typical beach goers from the Venice strip and surprisingly, it didn’t phase anyone of their appearance. It wasn’t packed during the duration of our experience; so it was easy to seat ourselves until the reserved seating area had to be occupied.
We chose the patio that looked like an outdoor green house and this time knowing the options for the hours of happy hour, I made room for something small. I tried the pesto soup being that I’m a fan of pesto and Efrem chose the Pate.
Yes, I’m sure you’re wondering what the hell is a pate or did I auto correct it from plate?
No, it’s pate. Pat-aye which is more accurately spelled Pâté. No disrespect to the french cuisines, but that brown liver looked like playdoh crap and smelled like wet dog food, but is loved by many travelers who enjoy this type of delicacy. The the process of how it was made worked up a casual conversation between him and our server. They conversed over where they lived and spent time in France and the cultural etiquette of how and when to eat that slop. I grew up eating fried liver and onions, but thank god for my mothers way of seasoning because if it was anything like that, I would’ve had a difficult time consuming it. My soup on the other hand was bland where I had to throw in a bottle of salt and high blood sugar just to get a taste. When I didn’t feel full enough, I ordered a bowl of fries. French fries to be exact.
Those came with Chipotle dip and ketchup. Truffle fries would’ve been perfect though. If you love a good beer list and or wine, well you’ll be the the right place.
A lot of Los Angeles locals aren’t aware of the vast numbers of French Americans living in our city. While you have Little Ethiopia, Little Armenia, China Town, Korea Town ect, I haven’t come across Big France. So it’s nice to have something like this to add to our diversity. Unfortunately, I haven’t come across any French single male locals that might make my time all the more merrier, but hopefully they’ll catch on. While the Venice location is nice I’m more a fan of the West Hollywood spot especially since it has an outside fireplace. Till then I’ll continue coming for my half off sangria.
Xox
