La Cachette Bistro

Dina Luis enjoys a cocktail at an office holiday party in the bar of La Cachette Bistro on Dec. 28, 2009.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

House-cured smoked trout, “herring style,” with warm potatoes, frisee and shallot dressing ($15) is one of seven salads offered at La Cachette Bistro, a new French restaurant in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Black mussels with shallots, garlic, thyme, carrots and celery in a light, creamy, white wine and spiced saffron broth, served with fries ($19) at La Cachette Bistro, a new French restaurant on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Coq au vin (dark meat) with veal bacon, carrots, onions, English peas and organic potatoes is ($22) among many meat and poultry dishes offered at La Cachette Bistro, a new French restaurant in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Poire “belle Helene,” with hot chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and toasted almonds ($9) is among 15 dessert choices at La Cachette Bistro in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The bar scene at La Cachette Bistro in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A main course is served at La Cachette Bistro, a new French restaurant in Santa Monica.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The wall behind the well-stocked bar at La Cachette Bistro.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

French posters line the dining room walls at La Cachette Bistro.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)