Traveling is still challenging during the never ending Covid pandemic.

Make the trip to Bicyclette, the fabulously authentic new French restaurant from Walter and Margarita Manzke of Republique fame.

Suspend reality and you will feel as if you were transported to a charming restaurant in France.

We were warmly greeted by General Manager, Patrick Freitas who was formerly a mainstay in the Jean Georges empire.

He swapped coasts and is managing Bicyclette with flair and efficiency.

We chose to sit at the 10-seat bar for social distancing safety.

Bicyclette has room for 80 in the downstairs dining area.

The decor is warm and inviting and the former Sotto space has been transformed.

Bicyclette opened mid-June after being in the making for four years.

We started with the Bread course…the crispy baguettes are from the ovens  of James Beard nominated chef, Margarita Manzke.

The classic baguette arrives with a generous portion of Rodolphe Le Meunier Normandy Butter ($9).

We selected Smoked Salmon Rillettes with salmon roe and horseradish to accompany the bread ($18).

The Special Salad that evening was a farm fresh heirloom tomato salad chock full of fresh cucumbers, melon and basil with a thin layer of tomato gazpacho lining the bottom. It was a summery delight ($23).

The highlight was the amazing individual cups of Burgundy Escargot en Croute soaked in garlic butter with a pillowy puff pastry cap ($5 each).

The Salmon special was prepared perfectly with a delectable  succotash sauce with fresh corn ($34).

I tried two half glasses of white wine from the French only wine list suggested by the well informed sommelier.

In particular, the Saumur Blanc ‘Clos de Midi’ from Arnaud Lambert, a dry, medium body chenin blanc, was outstanding (1/2 glass $8).

The Baba Au Rhum and tarts looked incredible, but we opted for a light cheese offering of Comte and Camembert ($28) showcased by Shawn, the  gracious, attentive bartender.

The upstairs restaurant which is much larger and the former home of Picca, should open soon featuring a novel addition of classic cocktail pairings made with vintage spirits sourced from around the world along with a champagne bar to accompany the tasting menu only concept.

Do not spin your wheels…get yourself to Bicyclette a tantalizing new addition to the Los Angeles dining scene.

Bicyclette 9575 Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, California. Open     Monday-Thursday 5:30-10pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30-11pm.    Reservations on OpenTable.com. Valet and street parking.