The authentic flavors of France have found a welcoming home in Woodland Hills thanks to a French-born restaurateur with a Michelin-star background.
“I want people to feel like they were in someone’s home when they come here. Like they were welcomed and served and taken care of at a friend’s house,” says Nicolas Fanucci, owner of Fanucci Restaurant Group, which opened Deux Bistro in Woodland Hills in March.
Fanucci, who also runs Nicolas Eatery in the Beverly Center, opened Deux Bistro with the purpose of offering classic French fare.
“Our food is simple, traditional and authentic,” said Fanucci, who speaks in a heavy French accent.
Fanucci, who lives in the San Fernando Valley, has serious restaurant credentials. He’s worked at some of the most respected restaurants in Europe and the U.S. including Roger Verge’s, Le Moulin de Mougin in Cannes, Le Cirque 2000 in New York City and at the Michelin-starred French Laundry in the Napa Valley where he served as general manager.
Here are Fanucci’s recommendation for must try dishes for those visiting Deux Bistro for the first time.
Onion Soup
An authentic French restaurant must serve a classic onion soup, and Deux Bistro is no expectation. However this soup is a bit daring since it’s a vegetarian soup made with a vegetable consommé rather than beef broth. The sweetness comes from hourslong caramelized onions and it’s topped with a roasted baguette and a melted blanket of Emmental cheese. “You’ll taste the sweetness, it’s light and rich and so flavorful and when you add on the cheese it just melts in your mouth,” Fanucci said.
Bibb Salad with champagne vinaigrette and fine herbs at Deux Bistro in Woodland Hills on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Bibb Salad
Fanucci said the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s made with herbs, shallots and a champagne vinaigrette simply mixed together. “It’s just the salad, the vinaigrette and nothing to be added. There’s no fanciness, just flavor,” he said.
Steak Frites
This is another classic French dish that is simple in preparation but rich in flavor. It’s made with an 8-ounce hanger steak seared in a cast iron and crispy fries that are meant to be dipped in herb garlic butter. “You’ll taste the richness in the steak. It’s very smooth and very meaty. It’s for meat lovers,” he said.
Poulet Frite
This hearty meal is made from a roasted chicken that is brined for 24 hours. It’s served with mashed potatoes, spinach, a purple mustard and chicken jus. “It’s a juicy filling meal meant to taste like a dish you would be served in a French household. “It just melts in your mouth and the mashed potatoes are just unbelievable,” he said.
Chocolate Mousse
Once again Fanucci keeps it simple and traditional with the mouse, serving a rich and creamy dessert. “It’s very rich but still light so you’re going to want to take another bite,” he said.
Deux Bistro is at 20969 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, 747-230-4034 or deuxbistrowh.com
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