review - Claudine

Breakfast is served Monday-Friday from 8am - 11am

All Day Menu is served Monday-Friday from 11am-8pm

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 8am-3pm

Location: 16350 Ventura Blvd, Ste. F., Encino

hello@claudinela.com  

(818) 616-3838

From the outside Claudine is a very average-looking storefront restaurant, but once you step inside and see the happy faces mingling at tables...and the cakes/pastries on display, you know you are in for a rare treat. It's a restaurant and a bakery rolled into one. My guess is that Claudine, named after the sister of Chef Anthony Jacquet, will become a favorite hangout for young businesswomen and older middle-aged people alike, anyone who loves great quiche, artisan breakfast food and divine sweets, especially the chocolate chip cookies, the ultimate special creation of Pastry Chef Lea Newton.

Both Jacquet and Newton were on hand to greet us and prepare delicious hors d'oeuvres on Tuesday June 14 for a small audience of invited guests. Since both are from the San Fernando Valley, he from Northridge and she from Burbank, their goal has been to put together a restaurant for Valley residents and one in which all of their foods are produced with the finest natural ingredients of the surrounding communities. Highlights of the evening included hot hors d'oeuvres like Lea's Lightened Quiche, priced at $10.59, with spinach, basil and only one egg with greens; Briana's Short Rib Grilled Cheese, $12.59, with stout braised onions, roasted

mushrooms, house American cheese, black vinegar teriyaki and russet wedges. This was a triumph, at least with me. I love short ribs and the rich almost  buttery flavor of the cheese and homemade bread accompanying them really made them ring out with flavor. Another big hit was the B.L.A.T. Salad, $11.59, consisting of cherry tomatoes, smoked bacon, little gems, avocado, buratta cheese, garlic croutons and creamy garlic dressing. It is a meal in itself!

All prices are fair and reasonable for the quality Claudine provides. Yes, the emphasis is on quality. All vegetables are fresh daily...and the pastries are baked every day. Nothing is ever left over. $4 for a brown butter rice krispy treat and $1.25 for one of Lea's scrumptious cookies is well worth the price. There was a tray of cupcakes, cookies, brownies as well as a grab bag of chocolate chip cookies, which are to die for. They should be sold nationally as Lea's Chocolate Chip Cookies. I understand that is being worked out as we speak. They are too yummy for words.

Also popular on their menu, and to which we were also treated, are Cianna's Naan-zza that includes pesto, buratta, bacon, mushrooms and asparagus. Think pizza but with a softer, more singular bread taste! It's delicious. Also served from the hearth is of course the quiche and... Avocado Toast, Nikki's Way with Spanish cayenne, fresh lemon, chimichurri, Serrano ham and fried egg.

As far as breakfast is concerned - and it is served every day Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11 am - we were nicely reminded of it with the serving of blueberry pancakes and bacon. Those pancakes were extra light and fluffy. Merveilleuses!

Look for a special of the day...and for the little ones, there are a grilled cheese and cup of soup, Margarita 'pizza' bread and Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, all at low prices $6-$8.

There is also a full bar with wine and freshly brewed beer. We were treated to a lovely lemon/lime sangria!

So, come on in to Claudine - Claudine Artisan Kitchen and Bakeshop -  and bring the whole family! There is something to suit everyone's tastebuds. And I cannot mention enough for the sweet tooth in you, there is nothing finer than Lea's Chocolate Chip Cookies, baked fresh every morning. They are the best anywhere!

Stephanie, Michelle and Emily from    bread & BUTTER pr ... their smiles tell it all!

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