Walter and Margarita Manzke opened République in 2013 and caught LA by storm. Since that time, they have opened other popular restaurants like Petty Cash Taqueria and Sari Sari. During the pandemic, they transformed the place where Sotto operated into a Paris bistro named Bicylette and an upstairs formal Parisian restaurant called Manzke.
The interior look and feel is a Parisian cafe with colorful restaurant and commemorative Tour de France posters lining the walls. The action is lively, and except for being elbow-to-elbow with the next table, everyone seems to enjoy being part of the scene at one of LA’s hottest eateries. To experience this, our friend secured a reservation a month in advance.
If you have been to République, you will be happy to know that their fresh-baked baguette with Rodolphe Le Meunier Normand is on the menu. The fresh baguette and butter is nothing like you may have experienced before. It is the perfect way to get the conversation started.
The wine list is exclusively French, categorized by region and varietal. We shared a bottle of Vouvray from Denis Meunier. The acidic, dry white wine was ideal for pairing with a range of food we were about to enjoy.
My wife is partial to French Onion Soup. Bicyclette names theirs “Onion Soup Gratinée” ($9). She nodded in acceptance that it was delicious. Melted-aged Comté Cheese lined the top, and it is the perfect item to order on a chilly evening.
Servers flew by us with the Instaworthy dish Soft Egg In The Shell ($28). Somehow the eggshell is perfectly lopped off, and Kaluga Caviar and sliced green onions are carefully placed on top. I opted not to order the dish because it wasn’t shareable for four.
We selected Choucroute, one of the specials that evening. Choucroute is Alsatian comfort food made with sauerkraut and pork. They brine the sauerkraut for 8 hours, add riesling and reduce it. They add lentils, bacon, mushrooms, parsley, and potatoes and place slices of pork belly on top.
Their Beef Bourguignon ($39) contained root vegetables such as carrots, sliced mushrooms, and parsley. Creamy potatoes whipped with spinach surround this dish. Neuske Bacon gives it a pleasant smokey flavor.
French peas in a madeira sauce is a novel way to enjoy Seared Maine Scallops ($24). This appetizer has already been converted to a main as their menu currently lists the Maine Scallops with pureed cauliflower, lemon, and brown butter.
Consistent with French cuisine, cheese is offered as one of the dessert options. Those who need to satisfy their sweet tooth may choose from seasonal tarts and ice cream.
Directly upstairs through Bicyclette is Manzke Restaurant, a new tasting menu concept that draws inspiration from cultural intersections local to LA and abroad. The tasting menu is $225/per person, with optional wine pairings starting at $165/per person.
Bicyclette, at 9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA, 90035; 424.500.9575; bicyclettela.com
Manzke Restaurant, 424.500.9575; manzkerestaurant.com