For a taste of the South of France, it’s worth it to venture over to Big Bar at the Alcove Café in Los Feliz for their special Pastis service this summer. For those who haven’t experienced Pastis, it is an anise-flavored aperitif known as “the milk of Marseilles.” Regular price service $9, happy hour $7.

Also, exciting: Alcove Café is celebrating a 10 year anniversary this summer. Owner Tom Trellis will be channeling his inner Willy Wonka for the celebration (fitting, given he is also in the chocolate biz with his Alcove Chocolate company) with the 10 Days of Alcove. Through July 23, 'golden tickets' will be hidden in napkins and Alcove Chocolate wrappers sold at the cafe, with each ticket designated a unique experiential Alcove prize. There will be 54 instant winners. Tom says it's his way of giving back to the Los Feliz community that has grown and embraced Alcove. alcovecafe.com