In the Bag
Tuna Tartare and Bubbly on La Cienega

It’s not that you forgot all about Valentine’s Day.

You realize it’s this Tuesday.

It’s just that you were waiting for the perfect little European bistro to open, a new hideaway of crisp white linens, manicured shrubbery, some foie gras... and the faint whiff of New York legend.

And your patience has been rewarded—because the long-awaited debut of Bagatelle is set for Monday.

You’ll find this place stuck to the front of STK, in the former home of Boudoir. Bring a date and start with a glass of French wine at the bar, then move past the other patrons (we’re guessing execs and expats) for a seat by the window. Then, wave over the yellowfin tuna tartare, foie gras terrine and pickled pork belly. Order some champagne. And then some more champagne.

Speaking of which, you might’ve heard some stories about the crazy brunches at the Bagatelle in New York involving endless bottles and sparklers and general insanity. (In fact, the stories may have been about you.) But you should know that, for now, it’s dinner-only around here—the whole DJ-fueled brunch thing won’t start for a few months.

Not a problem. Plenty of sparklers at your place.