While the plushly elegant décor with fireplaces and chandeliers reflects a classical sensibility, the relaxed, vibrant spirit that animates it makes Café La Bohème on Santa Monica Boulevard a place where guests love to hang out for an enjoyable evening. Under the watchful eye of experienced executive chef Christine Banta, it offers an eclectic menu with choice of entrees, hot and cold appetizers and noodle and rice dishes, reflecting her classical French background with Japanese-American roots.

Dinner at La Bohème could begin with bacon wrapped dates, grilled lamb skewers, tuna tataki or chicken liver pâté. The entreés selection includes sesame crusted tofu steak with mu shu vegetables and ginger soy sauce, Berkshire pork chop with garlic rapini, Chilean sea bass and veal osso bucco. You could also try wild mushroom risotto, braised short rib pappardelle, seared ahi sandwich or grilled calamari salad. Ending the meal on a celebratory note has desserts like chocolate chip bread pudding, apple crisp with caramel ice cream and crème brûlée with white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. A range of signature cocktails and choice of red or white wine by the glass further fuels the indulgent mood.