Driving into Le Chene is like to visit a church of class. Near Valencia, the restaurant also features local wines made by its fearless leader, Juan.

They still use white tablecloths, unlike most of the chain restaurants. The wine list still carries an in-depth and very impressive selection. We tasted wine and while thinking about each taste, a regular customer came to the bar, who is a friend of Juan. He offered us a sip of champagne. We had a bite to eat and I started to think about the day.

Juan’s cuisine is vitalized classic European and his tongue is legendary, both for food and wine. He liked a Pinot Noir from the four best and even though it was not my number one, with his tongue it was magic.

Then, suddenly, the gentleman from the bar gave me a red wine and asked what I thought of it, because Juan told him I know more about wine than he and anyone there. The wine was a clear message for me and I said: “Pure old world Bordeaux…great level of finesse and structure with over 20 years of age.”

His friend smiled and showed me a bottle 1970 Chateau Mouton Rothschild. He even had a price tag from the time when he got it – $42.70. The wine showed no watery rim and had a brown tone and edges. We finished the bottle with him and while we were there, a nice lady in the bar also tasted two of the Pinot Noirs, blind, so we could help her to learn about them.

We even enjoyed a rare Italian Varietal bottle from Juan and while driving home, we had a rare feeling. The day’s memories are what keeps us dreaming better. Thank you to all for making life the best!

Best regards,

Recently my husband and I vacationed in LA and took the Vintners Assemblage Tour which included two wineries – Antelope and Reyes — and the Le Chene restaurant.

To Juan, his management team, and the wonderful staff who made my parent’s Anniversary Party a success – thank you, thank you.

Being a restaurant professional for over 30 years, I am qualified to say that everyone was exceedingly professional yet personal, kind and attentive. The lead server Sherry (please forgive me if I misspelled her name) was more than we could have asked for, and played a key role in the evening’s success.

I also wish to mention your kitchen. Many times with large parties there’s an assembly-line quality that unfortunately reflects in the plates going out. Not so with your restaurant. Every plate looked like it was ordered off the menu, and that impressed not only myself, but our guests as well. I thank you.

If anyone from Le Chene is in Sherman Oaks, please feel free to see me at The Local Peasant. It would be my pleasure to extend every professional courtesy to anyone who contributed to this event that was so very important to my family and me.