I’m so glad that I’ve been able to watch the Western San Gabriel Valley evolve into an epicurean adventureland. Yes, I know that there are many “same old, same old” restaurants, but, for those who like to explore, there are many treasures to be found. Case in point: La Vie in Rosemead!

This tiny restaurant seems lost in a small strip mall at 2547 San Gabriel Blvd, - two blocks south of Garvey Ave. It is the epitome of “family run” restaurants; it seems that the entire family is employed.

And the menu? Canard e’orang or au Gran Marnier, cotes d’agneau (lamb chops), or coq au vin (chicken in wine). The menu contains about two dozen entrees (most of which I’ve tasted!) and their wine list covers six pages and includes my favorite, an imported Reisling.

What makes La Vie so unique is that the entrees are served as a complete dinner, including soup du jour, salad, veggies and a most scrumptious squash pate’. The dessert cart is extra, but contains all your favorites – souffle’, creme brullee, French pastries – all made fresh in house.

I’ve heard that those who have eaten in the ritzy French eateries in New York have claimed that La Vie lacks the spiciness of “real” French food, but I cannot relate to that comment, especially when I am savoring each and every morsel of the cuisine at this modestly priced restaurant – at about a third of the price those highbrows have paid elsewhere! Besides, there is a rumor that the chef was trained in the Cordon Bleu! Bon Appetit’!