There are only so many transplants that can survive a trip across the world. Salades de Provence is your mini trip to the Provencal countryside of France right in your backyard—if your backyard happens to be West Hollywood. Aix-en-Provence is the originator, and on La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard, is its spawn. Organic and international—a combination hard to resist.

The decor of Salades de Provence is quaint and kitschy all at the same time, with its chalkboard displaying specials of the day, carafes of room temp water for the taking and exported products for purchase lining the walls and counter tops. The exterior patio is perfect for an outdoor brunch or dinner on a nice day, and there is a just enough seating inside for the place to feel cozy yet comfortable on a busy afternoon.

As the location’s name suggests, the menu is based mostly on salads that create the foundation for the lunch and dinner selections. Starting with organic lettuces, greens and sometimes pasta, each one is a filling combination of meats, seafood, veggies and cheeses. Take the L’Assiette Sainte Victoire with greens, pilaf, lamb, cherry tomatoes, feta and tatziki, or you could try the L’Assiette Cezanne with lamb’s lettuce, Saint Marcelin cheese, duck breast, fried potatoes, pine nuts and an olive oil vinaigrette. There are about seventeen salads to choose from, including the half portions that come with the day’s quiche or crepe selection. Check out the daily chalkboard of specials. They make an impressive salmon and chive crepe along with a fabulously decadent chicken, bell pepper and mushroom quiche. One of the best things you’ll get to snack on before the meal is a plate of sliced croûtons served with a creamy mixture of crème fraîche, chives and goat cheese.

Going in for an early breakfast, you do have the option of grabbing scrambled egg dishes like omelettes, organic fruit salads, yogurt and cereal. And if you’ve ever been to France, then you know how the basic breakfast goes at a cafe or home. Salades de Provence brings that experience to you with the petit déjeuner “à la Française” featuring a selection that rings authenticity—croissant or chocolate croissant, French baguette tartines with butter and jam, your choice of hot tea or coffee, freshly squeezed juice and even the day’s newspaper. Craving something sweet for the day’s meal? They offer sweet crepes with lemon and sugar, Nutella, Grand Marnier and butter or chocolate. Or if you’re just looking for a snack, grab a scoop or two of their various gelato. Gelato may not be French, but that’s a minor detail.

What we really like about this place is the selection of drinks. Coffees made from Cafe Richard, thick hot chocolates and teas from the world famous Mariage Freres house. If you’re a tea maven, then you know that Mariage Frères is top of the line. There are also freshly squeezed juices like carrot, lemon, grapefruit and orange and even a wide array of sirop—a sweet flavored syrup added to water. Check out the bottles lined up on the counter. You can choose chewing gum, cactus, grenadine, mint and pomme d’amour to name a few.

What we really don’t like about this place is that the bill adds up. Fast. Salads average between $11 and $15. Teas and coffees run anywhere from $3 to $5, and even two eggs sunny side up will run around $8. Expect to spend at least $20 a person for your meal, a drink and tip. If you’re looking for the best bargain on the menu, we suggest ordering the standard Brunch option served from 11 am-3 pm. For $20, you’ll get your choice of bread, drink, a salad, quiche or crepe and a fruit salad. You will most definitely end up rolling out of the cafe, but at least you’ll get your money’s worth.

Open from 7 am-10 pm every day, Salades de Provence brings a French flair to the neighborhood. If you have a taste for casual international cuisine, this is the place to add to your to-do list.

1040 North La Cienega Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-657-9696
www.saladesdeprovence.com