Longevity is rare with restaurants, especially in Southern California where they come and go, often with surprising speed. A few continue in popularity for decades becoming 'legends in their own time.'
In this story the man is Louis Laulhere and his restaurant the highly honored La Vie en Rose in Brea whose reputation for fine dining has now been in place for three decades. French born Louis has a full half century experience in the restaurant business and has been proprietor of La Vie en Rose since October 1984.
When this Writer asked him how his restaurant has survived and prospered over a period of so many changes and fads in the industry he replied simply good people. He said the staff must be treated with respect, that certain standards should be in place and people expected to observe them. According to Louis staff turnover is one of the main reasons that restaurants close.
Certainly turnover is rare here. His chef, pastry chef and hostess have all been with the restaurant since Louis took over in 1984, in itself a remarkable achievement.
In the years that Louis Laulhere has owned La Vie en Rose the changes in Southern California dining have been huge. Restaurant themes, cuisines, dining habits, menus have changed constantly but at La Vie en Rose, 'French country dining' has continued its own charted course of providing excellent food, presented well and with an very special serving staff still attired in Black Tie.
Reminiscent of a French Chateau, with seating for 463 when private dining areas are included. The entry with wood paneling, fireplace and a living room decor of sofas immediately makes a statement that this is an exceptional restaurant.
So while the menu continues to be honestly French subtle changes have been made to fit the Twenty First century dining habits of a consumer much more conscious of healthy eating.
As it has through the years La Vie en Rose continues to offer a serene atmosphere and decor with full cocktail lounge and a very exceptional wine list of over 260 labels. And the wines are listed by region both for domestic wines and the large selection of French vintages.
The restaurant now offers a 'Prix Fixe' menu which includes a choice of an appetizer, entree and a dessert. This menu has become a very popular addition to the dining experience.
Other choices for appetizers included a classic French Onion soup or salad of country style Pate garnished with French salami, gherkins, lingonberry sauce and Dijon mustard or a salad of watercress and endive with St. Agur cheese and hazelnut dressing. .
Entree choices include seared sea scallops with a Dijon mustard cream sauce or French classics like roasted pork tenderloin with an apple Calvados cream sauce or crispy duck legs Confit with a Port wine reduction.
The lunch menu includes sandwiches served on a choice of six breads including sun dried tomato and olive. And pasta and vegetarian entrees plus intriguing items like a chicken Caesar salad or sauteed calf's liver.
La Vie en Rose is located at 240 South State College Blvd., just a block from the Imperial Hwy., offramp of the 57 Freeway. Luncheon is served Monday thru Friday and dinner Monday thru Saturday, closed Sundays. You can explore their website at www.lavnrose.com or call at 714 529-8333.
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