Only a tried-and-true L.A. staple like La Cachette, beloved for its fine French cuisine, could have survived the upheaval that Santa Monica Boulevard has undergone in recent years. But you no longer have to navigate major roadwork to dine at this lauded establishment from chef-owner Jean Francois Meteigner. Start with the decadent sautéed foie gras with a date-apple-honey filo crisp and huckleberry-verjus coulis, and follow up with the country dish of the week (whatever it is, it won’t disappoint). Try to catch one of La Cachette’s “Cooking with Jean Francois” classes while you’re in town, so you can re-create some of his mouthwatering morsels at home, as often as you like.

La Cachette Information:

• French menu. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner. Closed Sunday. Bar. Reservations recommended.