*UNFORTUNATELY, BISTRO GARDEN’S HAPPY HOUR HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Our first experience at Bistro Garden was nothing short of magical. Walking up the entry steps past blooming white flowers and a cascading fountain, we were instantly taken to a place of tranquility. As we walked in through tall, white French doors, we were suddenly enchanted. The lounge was full of patrons, but a lone table for two closest to the piano stood out among the evening crowd. It seemed to welcome our company as if it had been reserved for us by the hands of fate.

Finally we sat, engulfed and whisked away to another time…another place, by the melodious intonations escaping the nearby Baby Grand piano. The song, in particular, was one my husband and I knew well. One which made us smile at one another like we did the day we met and knew we were meant to be together. The overhead lights had long since been dimmed, candles flickered in clear glass votive holders on the tables, and the scent of fresh flowers meticulously arranged and standing proudly atop the partition wall that separates the main dining area from the lounge wafted through the air at certain intervals, as if on cue. It was one of those enchanting moments one remembers forever. It welcomed us. It invited us in. It was as thought it was meant to be.

Above, flowing fountains and fragrant white climbing roses invite you in from the Ventura Boulevard entrance, while inside, enormous sprays of fragrant flowers enhance your experience in the lounge.

David WIlson – Pianist and Violinist

Since that first night at the Bistro Garden lounge, we’ve been unable to separate ourselves from it. Not only are the food, atmosphere and service superb and without flaw, but on Wednesdays, you can be swept away by piano master David Wilson. This incredibly talented “magician of the keys” tickles the ivories and delights the soul as he enhances, enlightens, and inspires the lives of patrons who visit from 6-10PM. Taking requests and playing favorites in his smooth, classic style, David truly harnesses the romance of music in his playing. Not only does he enjoy and have an ongoing love for the piano, but you can also hear David’s artistry and devotion to his love for music through the violin on any one of ten albums. The extensive array of songs he plays (from Cole Porter to Henry Mancini to romantic standards and seductive lounge pieces) will make you fall in love with what you hear. You can experience David’s violin mastery at www.DreamViolin.com. Believe us, you will be thoroughly happy you did.

Candlelight, Complimentary Waffle-Cut Potato Crisps and Cocktails

As if hearing the tunes of David Wilson isn’t enough to get you into Bistro Garden, the establishment also offers a very reasonable Happy Hour menu. Monday through Friday, from 4 – 6:30 PM, all well and call drinks are just $5. Their house Cabernet, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio or Sparkling Wine are all just $5 each, and their Draft Beer is only $3.50. If wetting your whistle isn’t enough, the Happy Hour bar bites should take care of that. All for a mere $5 each, the selection is both appealing and assorted: Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas with Sour Cream and Guacamole, Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a Cup of Tomato Soup, Trio of Sliders – Beef, Lamb and Turkey, Basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Ranch Dressing, and Fresh Salmon Tartar on Crispy Brioche with Arugula Vinaigrette. All delicious, always made fresh, and always a perfect pairing with any of the Happy Hour libations. (We favor the Quesadillas, the Salmon Tartar, the Sliders and the Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup ourselves!)

Rotisserie Chicken Quesadila with Fresh Guacamole, Salsa and Sour Cream

Grilled Cheese and a Cup of Tomato Soup

Fresh Salmon Tartar on Crisp Brioche with Olives

Trio of Sliders with Onion Strings

The service and hospitality at Bistro Garden is impeccable. Since we’ve become regular visitors, the staff has made a point to get to know our names, and remember what our favorite drinks are. Most times, we don’t even have to ask. They just know. Fransisco, the mixologist of the establishment, with his friendly and outgoing personality, is ready to take your order. His sincerity and attention to detail is flawless. Maurice, the Maitre ‘D, with his classic demeanor, oversees all aspects of the establishment.

The atmosphere at Bistro Garden is relaxing, sophisticated, romantic and alluring. I would find it hard to believe that anyone could feel anything but at home here. The bar itself is a sight to behold. The mahogany stunner with its eclectic decor and classic characteristics makes one wonder about the stories it’s been witness to in years gone by. Napoleon keeps a watchful eye from behind the bar, while European-styled chandeliers hover overhead. Rich, comforting hues of navy, deep reds and golds flourish, while the comfortable seating beckons one to stay longer. This oasis is sure to please and certain to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.

There once stool proud earthenware roostersalong the edges of the partition that sets the lounge apart from the main restaurant. We came to grow fond of these roosters, as they stood guard over each lounge table for so long. Like the rest of Bistro Garden, they became a part of our lives. The story is humorous, (not to the roosters, of course), but you’ll have to ask what happened to them because we’re not going to tell!

The garden-like dining room is enhanced with live plants and numerous potted trees and flowers in every direction one looks. Mirrors show off their shine, and a trellis-style thirty-foot ceiling of glass skylights allows for brilliantly-lit natural light during the daytime. In the evenings, lighted trees come alive and enhance the entire environment while you dine, seemingly creating a feel of dining outside under the stars. Live music from the lounge can be heard as well and is an excellent extension to dinner..

Bistro Garden’s upscale elegance and the incredibly talented David Wilson keep us returning week after week. Things wouldn’t be the same if we could ever not be in attendance. The ambiance is delightful, the entertainment outstanding and the Happy Hour just perfect. As for that first night at Bistro Garden, well…we became regulars after that memorable evening. And that lone table for two in the lounge when we arrived that first night…well, that’s our favorite place to sit when we stop in now. Never to be forgotten, always to be remembered.

• DECOR / ESTABLISHMENT: Comforting and elegant environment, European and French flair, and beautifully appointed expanses.

• FOOD / DRINK: A terrific Happy Hour location offering great $5 appetizers and very reasonable beverage prices between 4PM and 6:30PM.

• LOCATION: 12950 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, CA 91604.

• HOURS: Bistro Garden is open for Lunch Monday through Friday from 11am – 3 PM,
  Dinner Monday through Saturday 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM and on Sundays from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The Bar menu is available from opening to closing with Happy Hour now available from 4 PM to 7 PM and a Sunday Brunch served from 11:00am until 2:00pm.

• SERVICE / STAFF: Friendly, welcoming and sincere.

• PRICE / VALUE: Bistro Garden’s Happy Hour offers live entertainment, fresh creative appetizers and a diverse choice of beverages in a romantic, enchanting setting. Great price for the value one receives in return.

• CORKAGE FEE: $20 per 750mL bottle.

• CONTACT INFO: Phone – (818) 501-0202, Website - www.bistrogarden.com

• PARKING: Valet service is available behind the restaurant as well as metered street parking along Ventura Boulevard in front of the establishment.

• TOTAL BILL: $30.88 (Including Tax) for 2 glasses of wine, 2 rum and Coke cocktails, a Rotisserie Quesdilla, and a Fresh Salmon Tartar on Crispy Brioche. Not too bad for everything you receive at this magnificent establishment!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.