It was a well-dressed crowd that arrived and a well-fed crowd that departed several hours later as more than 200 gourmet aficionados turned out for the grand opening of the newest foodie mecca in Beverly Hills, Monsieur Marcel.
The reception benefited UNICEF, with 20% of sales going to the charity, and showcased a wide collection of the very finest in imported and domestic artisanal food and wines.
Monsieur Marcel co-founders Stephane and Katy Strouk and new partner Emile Malka led the guests in celebrating their latest location at 447 North Canon Drive.
It’s a high-profile address for the esteemed Los Angeles company, which also has locations at the Farmer’s Market in the Fairfax district and the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
Co-hosted by Marc Friedland, Melissa Lemer Mogel, Lulu Powers, Jane Ross, Darren Star, Kimm Uzielli, Sandra Nelson Winkler and Christina Zilber, the event’s guests were treated to a delicious array of cheeses, charcuterie and hors d’oeuvres, including Boeuf Bourguignon, Maine Lobster with Mango Coulis, Croque Marcel, Duck Confit and Truffle Mac and Cheese, representing a taste of the menu at what is normally a 136- seat bistro, for which the tables were removed for the evening. Food items were naturally paired with Monsieur Marcel’s collection of private label French wines.
In addition, stations positioned throughout afforded guests an opportunity to sample a host of other gourmet offerings ranging from EOS and John Kelly Chocolates to The Best Cookie, Crumble, Almond Water, Malibu Honey and Monsieur Marcel’s private label jams, spreads and truffle salt which are part of a selection of unique and hard-to-find items lining the shelves of the gourmet market. Beautiful and unique kitchenware and cutlery were also showcased.
In fact, Monsieur Marcel’s gourmet market is stocked with more than 250 types of cheese, 350 kinds of wine and a wide assortment of meats, olives, gourmet marmalades and mustards.
“We are excited to bring Monsieur Marcel to Canon Drive,” said co-owner Stephane Strouk, who opened the Farmers Market location 20 years ago and has never flagged in his passion to bring French specialty foods and cuisine to Southern California. “Katy and I pride ourselves on giving our customers the best of French fare and we are eager to finally share our vision with the Beverly Hills community. ”
Aside from all the food items you can procure and take home, and the custom gift baskets that are available, there is a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 9 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The menu features traditional French dishes including assorted soups, salads, crepes, quiches and sandwiches and of course, classic entrees like boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin. Save room for dessert: mousse au chocolat and tarte tatin are already favorites. To accompany your meal, wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle.
Need we say bon appetit?
Monsieur Marcel 447 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 274-7300, www.mrmarcel.com
