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The newest restaurant addition to Beverly Hills is Viviane Restaurant, located in the Avalon Hotel on Olympic Boulevard at Beverly Drive. Viviane The Avalon Hotel looks like a stylishly converted motel with all of the rooms overlooking the pool in the center. The decor of the hotel is mid-century with subtle colors and furniture with a 1950s and 1960s aesthetic. The bright blue from the pool is what glows throughout the space, whether you sit inside or outside. But, I suggest getting a seat outside by the pool. Whether at a table, or in a colorful cabana, it is peaceful, not too loud and, as it is Los Angeles, perfect to take advantage of being able to eat outside year round. Viviane Viviane Restaurant is by restaurateur Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group and Executive Chef Michael Hung, formerly of Faith and Flower in downtown LA. No more fighting the traffic to get to downtown LA to taste the food of Chef Hung!
While we here in America think of "Happy Hour" as that time in bars where we can get discounted well-drinks, in French cafes, 5pm is known as l’heure verte, or “the green hour" where green Absinthe (known as "verte") is enjoyed. Absinthe is a spirit made from a grape distillate macerated with a blend of herbs (licorice, petite wormwood, nettle and more). The green color comes from the nettle. While Absinthe was the drink of choice in France in 1910, it was banned for many decades. In the early 2000's, the absinthe ban was repealed around the world and the green liquid started to flow again. Absinthe is an elegant, sipping drink, not something to drink to get drunk. It is a relaxing drink that should not be rushed. In fact, Absinthe is an upper and you just can't be angry when you drink it. It is a very pure spirit and one of the healthiest you can drink. 
Just before the holiday season started, Terrine LA opened its doors on Beverly Boulevard in the old Pane Vino space, a block from Jar Restaurant. And, just after the holidays, Terrine LA opened its doors for brunch. So, to start the new year off on a good foot, we headed to Terrine LA for brunch. Terrine Restaurant Terrine LA is a gorgeous space. The brasserie-style restaurant is a wide open space with bright natural light (in the daytime). The elegant copper and marble bar runs along one side of the room and a whitewashed brick wall runs along the other side. A large picture window behind the bar offers a view into the kitchen. And there is the romantic patio featuring a lovely old tree in the center. However, as it was one of those very rare cold days in LA, we opted to sit inside.
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