A grand opening gala was recently held at the new Monsieur Marcel in Beverly Hills on Canon Drive where guests enjoyed an endless array of cheese, charcuterie and hors d’oeuvres.

Monsieur Marcel Co-founders Stephane and Katy Strouk, left are joined by Nathale Malka and Monsieur Marcel partner, Emile Malka at the gala grand opening of their Beverly Hills location. (photo by Vince Bucci)

Waiters passed trays of Maine lobster bites with mango coulis, croque Marcel and duck confit. The true French form, red and white Bordeaux was poured by the glass. Beef Bourguignon skewers with potato gratin were particularly good. Shooters of chilled watermelon gazpacho with compressed watermelon, honeydew and micro mint were a refreshing treat.

The most creative dish was the Nicoise in a pipette. Tuna, heirloom tomato, and cucumber with tarragon dressing delicately filled the tubing, a unique preparation.

Monsieur Marcel’s co-founders, Stephane and Katy Strouk are proud of their third location. The 7,000 sq. ft. facility features a sit-down restaurant and an expansive serving bar allowing guests to select a wide variety of fresh made sandwiches, salads, and hot entrées that are easily packaged for convenient take-home meals. Guests may sit inside tables or on the lovely patio. Marcel’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

At the gala, I spotted many of Strouk’s friends. Chef Josette from Normandie Bakery, food critic Sophie Gayot and Zsa Zsa Gabor’s 9th husband Prince Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt were among the crowd enjoying the evening.

Demo stations positioned throughout the gourmet market offered many tasty treats, including EOS and John Kelly chocolates. Catherine con Ruden from EOS presented pieces of dark chocolate with puffed millet. She said it is an ideal mid-afternoon snack. The dark chocolate and roasted almonds mix is very high quality and ideal for your gourmet candy dish.

Guests also enjoyed John Kelly chocolates, especially the chocolate and caramel with Hawaiian Alaea sea salt.

Malibu honey had a table with bite size pieces of cheese dripping with honey.  The company touts that honey helps people with pollen allergies. Malibu Honey does not use any chemical treatments in their hives. The honey is not processed and comes straight from the comb to the jar.

We sampled Monsieur Marcel’s private label jams and spreads, perfect accompaniments to one of his fresh-baked baguettes. The wine selection at Monsieur Marcel is extensive and includes his private label wines, domestic and International wines.

Stephane Strouk is passionate about French food. He brought his knowledge of classic French cuisine to Los Angeles in 1993, when he opened a creperie in the iconic Farmers Market on Fairfax. Later, he expanded and created his first gourmet market and outdoor restaurant. Since then, he opened a location at the Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica.

Now with the third and largest location, fans can sit out front on the patio to soak up the Beverly Hills sites or shop inside for unique and hard-to-find culinary items.

Next time you are in Beverly Hills, stop by Monsieur Marcel’s and enjoy a smoked turkey croque Marcel or duck confit vol au vent with wild mushrooms. The 136-seat bistro and gourmet market is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon or evening. Parking is available in the adjacent parking lot. $$ 447 N. Canon Dr. (310) 274-7300.