French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar

One of the things I truly love about Laguna Beach is that you can take a culinary tour around the world without leaving the city limits. From the Mexican Riviera at Las Brisas  to the shores of Italy at Romeo Cucina to the delicacies of French cuisine you’ll find at French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar, you are sure to enjoy your epicurean adventure.

On a crisp night, my husband and I settled into a warm booth in the dimly-lit dining room of French 75. We had gone to Paris 10 years ago and hadn’t had any French food of note since our trip there, so we were excited for the opportunity to dine at French 75. As we always do, we started with a cocktail. I chose the Chanel Champagne cocktail and he the French 75 Champagne cocktail. They were exactly what we needed after a stressful and busy day of work, children and other family obligations.

Along with our cocktails, we enjoyed the sautéed Foie Gras. Now, you might be shaking in your boots right now at the mention of Foie Gras, but let me tell you that this was one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten! It is served with a strawberry wine poached pear, brioche crostini and an aged balsamic reduction. Each bite practically melted in our mouths and we found ourselves fighting over the last bite.

For our meals, I decided on the Holiday Prix Fixe menu, choosing a Roquette Fig Salad, Pan Roasted Scallops and Flourless Chocolate Cake. My husband chose the Pear Salad and the Oven-Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb. Every bite transported us back to our week in Paris. We reminisced about our favorite sites and our best meals while there.

Pan Roasted Scallops: Bacon Potato Risotto, Garlic Emulsion, Lobster Sauce

I was afraid that the bacon may overwhelm the scallops, but it didn’t and had just the right touch of flavor. The lobster sauce was rich and complemented the scallops and risotto nicely.

Like always, I was only able to sneak a bite or two of my husband’s meal and from those, I could tell that the lamb was fabulous! It was flavorful with that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes lamb delicious.  The Rosemary Garlic Dijon flavors of the crust came thru with every bite. The lamb was served with pomme gratin, Mediterranean grilled vegetables and Bordelaise Sauce.

When having a meal with me, you should know I always order dessert and luckily, the Holiday Prix Fixe menu came with one, a decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake. This time I was the one who didn’t share with others.

There are no plot twists when it comes to French 75; it is simply a direct story line that ends with delicious French perfection. We enjoyed our time reminiscing about Paris all while feasting on the phenomenal creations of Chef Gregory Moro.

French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar 

1464 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949-494-8444


Mon - Sun, 4:30pm to 11:00pm


Happy Hour
Nightly from 4:30 to 6:30
Half-priced champagne cocktail
Half-priced wine by the glass
$6.00 well drinks and well cocktails
Small plates menu available

By Anne-Marie S.

Sawdust Winter Fantasy 2011

The Sawdust Winter Fantasy is in full swing! It’s the perfect weekend outing that the entire family can enjoy. With over 170 artisans who create and showcase original works of art, you are sure to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. The Winter Fantasy has become an annual tradition for my family with my kids eagerly anticipating the trip to this cheerful wonderland.

If you have been to Sawdust’s summer festival you will notice that as soon as you walk into the Winter Fantasy things look a little different. The center of the festival grounds is transformed into a Winter Wonderland called Towne Square. Here you’ll find Santa’s Sleigh, a life-size playhouse, a reindeer barn, Santa’s house (complete with Santa!), decorated community trees and even falling snow. My husband and I look forward to the great photo ops in Towne Square perfect for our holiday cards.

Snow flurries at the Winter Fantasy

My kids enjoy all of the special holiday-themed activities at the Ceramic Center and Children’s Art Spot. This year they chose to make air-dry clay ornaments.

Mary Marquez, an artist and exhibitor at the festival, helped my girls make their ornaments at the Children’s Art Spot. She was extremely helpful and explained each step of the process for making the ornaments. Even my 2-year old was able to make ornaments with her help. I just love the small community feel this places offers.

Another highlight for the kids was getting balloon animals made by Balloon Diva, April Strong.

We stopped by a must see at Sawdust, Patti’s People. The kids got a real kick out of seeing all their favorite cartoon characters and super heroes made into clay ornaments. Patti makes custom ornaments for you that make the perfect gift!

We wandered over at Brett Keast’s booth after listening to live music at the Main Entertainment Deck. There we found a variety of island-inspired artwork.

These holiday stockings are made from leftover materials from Brett’s
swimwear collection, Tidepool Swimwear.

After enjoying hot cocoa and a visit with Santa we headed home with our hearts full of holiday cheer. Thank you Sawdust for getting us in the spirit and for all of the great family memories!

Be sure to visit the Sawdust Winter Fantasy 

Open weekends only: November 19 & 20, 25-27; December 3 & 4, 9-11, 2011
10am to 6pm

$6 Adult one-day; $5 Senior one-day (65+); $3 Children (6-12); FREE Children (5 & under); $9 Season pass

Information Line: (949) 494-3030

note: this is an outdoor festival.

By Anne-Marie S.

Win a 2 night Stay-cation in Laguna Beach

French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar and The Retreat in Laguna join together to bring you an incredible sweepstakes for a stay-cation in Laguna Beach. Win a 2 night stay in a luxury villa and dinner for two at French 75.

The Retreat In Laguna features eight ultra-luxurious vacation rental villas in a Tuscany-inspired village environment. With panoramic ocean views just steps from the shore, each vacation villa features a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The Laguna Beach artwork enhances the Venetian plaster wall surfaces done in decorator tones with details like crown moldings, designer tile work, and fine wood cabinetry in deep rich tones. The unique art collections in each villa are from local galleries and bring a touch of creative interest.


French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar is a French American bistro  that resides in a 60 year old country cottage where style and romance are deliciously combined. The decor is rich, intimate and romantic. The menu offers contemporary renderings of classic bistro dishes.  The quaint champagne bar features an extensive selection of champagnes by the glass as well as champagne cocktails, martinis, wine and beer. Most notable is the ceiling mural in the bar, depicting a 'champagne war' between cherubs and monkeys holding bottles of champagne. A fireplace lit covered patio offers the perfect destination for outdoor dining beneath antique chandeliers.

Don't miss you opportunity for your stay-cation. Enter the sweepstakes now!

Laguna Beach Shopping

Forget about the stress of crowded malls during the holiday season and  come to Laguna Beach to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. Make it an event and enjoy browsing the downtown in the afternoon, watch the unrivaled sunset from Heisler Park, and then refuel at one of the 70+ restaurants in Laguna Beach.

Areo 

207 Ocean Ave.

949-376-0535

Open daily, 10am to 7pm

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Since 1992, Areo has been providing its customers with an eclectic selection of gifts and home accents. From books to one-of-a-kind jewelry and a wide selection of soy candles to glassware and home accents, there is truly something for everyone. 

The rustic and welcoming feel of the store keeps you browsing as you come across a new treasure around each corner. Many of the most unique items in the store are pieces that the owner has personally collected during his travels around the world. If you need a one-stop shop for your holiday list, Areo is the place to go. They even offer free gift wrapping!

Thalia Surf Shop

903 South Coast Highway

949-497-3292

Open daily, 10am to 6pm

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Established in 2001, Thalia Surf Shop prides itself as an independent surf and skate shop that specializes in retro surfboards, unique clothing, shoes and art.  The store’s walls and ceiling are lined with the owner’s collection of vintage surfboards and skateboards. Local beachcomber, Jim Olarte, found and brought driftwood and palm leaves that represent the laidback authentic Southern California feel into the store. With clothing by California designers, t-shirts by local artists, and even limited edition Thalia-designed Vans shoes, this is a place that locals and visitors can come to find a piece of the local culture. 

Thalia Surf Shop also hosts a gallery exhibit every other month, as well as monthly concerts with local bands at the Marine Room. Check their blog for additional information. Thalia will be where I find gifts for my out-of-town guests that desire a piece of the Southern California beach lifestyle.

Bubbles of Laguna 

445 South Coast Hwy (inside Hotel Laguna)

949-494-1417

Open Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm

Saturday, 9am to 8pm

Sunday, 10am to 5pm

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For over 10 years, Bubbles of Laguna has brought the world of fine bath and body products to Laguna Beach. From lotions and bath salts from Italy, France, Hawaii, Ireland and Sweden, to aroma therapy products made right here in the USA. I especially enjoyed the “Self-Serve Bar” of baths salts, lotions, bubble bath and bath tea herbs. 

It’s a creative way to make a personalized gift for the person on your list that is in need of some R&R. You will also find novel gifts, soy candles and toys.

LF, Laguna 

278 Forest Ave.

949-497-9194

Open Monday-Saturday, 11am to 7pm

Sunday, 11am to 5pm

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LF Laguna, is the place for all the fashionistas on your list. This is where trends are unearthed. With an edgy sense of fashion and out-of-the-box styling, the girls at LF will help you find the perfect ensemble that portrays your personal sense of style. “Be yourself” is their motto and there are plenty of ways to find your self expression. 

Personally, my closet is full of items from this innovative fashion boutique and I love shopping here for the perfect accessory that best shows off the personalities of my best friends. (Shhh, don’t tell them, but they are each getting something from LF this year!)

Ken’s Jewelry Store

326 Forest Ave

949-494-0508

Housed in the oldest commercial building in Laguna Beach, Ken’s Jewelry Store is a piece of our town’s history. As you spend some time in the store you’ll begin to notice both paintings and historical photos on the Koa wood walls. Paintings by plein air artists Roy Ropp (a founding father of the Festival of Arts) and Robert Wood line the walls. Historic Laguna photos of Ken’s Jewelry Store location are also displayed. Ken Lauher started out as a jewelry artist during the Arts and Crafts Movement in the ‘70s. In the 1980s, after the purchase of his current location, he built on and expanded the building to what it is now, a Swiss two-story Chalet. Downstairs is the show room, and the work room and offices are housed upstairs. Lauher told us that 75% of what you will find in his store are actually his own designs…beautiful settings that truly are one-of-a-kind. They also specialize in the mounting and re-mounting of precious stones, cut ‘rocks’ or semi-precious stones, and jewelry repair.

An interesting collection that Ken makes are mounted gold-in-quartz. Ken works with a Sierra Nevada goldmine (one of the few mines left still mining gold!) out of the Sierra’s. These are unique and beautiful pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Ken’s Jewelry Store is a full-service; ultrasound and steam cleaning, repair and custom design, with many long-term loyal customers. Fun Fact: Ken creates a custom storefront, themed window each month that has become a must-see site in Laguna Beach.

Read our other stories about places to shop in Laguna Beach:

Stephen Frank Garden & Home, Table & Pantry 

Fawn Memories 

Laguna Colony Company  

Fiori 

Plein Air Life 

By Anne-Marie S.