A pair of native Valleyites honed their craft around LA and have returned home. On May 14 Chef Anthony Jacquet, previously of Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove,  opened Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop with pastry chef Lea Newton in the former Encino home of Rosti Tuscan Kitchen. 

Anthony and Lea are both Valley residents and were “attracted to the vertical density in the area paired with the family residences north and south of the Boulevard.” The airy space features a white, aqua and blonde wood color scheme.

Anthony honors his late sister, Claudine, who helped inspire his career as a chef. He says, “My family lost her to cancer when she was in her early 40s, so I wanted to pay tribute to her by naming the restaurant after her.”

Anthony described Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop as a “community-driven, modern California café,” adding, “The dish needs to have a story whether it be an inspiration by an experience, a memory or a specific ingredient Lea or I want to work with. And, of course, it needs to be delicious.”

Anthony is particularly proud of their chilaquiles, which delivers “pops of tang and super savory nuances from the salty cotija cheese and stewed chicken.” They’ve also re-injected life to avocado toast with Serrano ham, piment d'Espelette and a poached egg. Anthony also has praise for his partner, saying, “Lea’s chocolate chip cookies are the best ever (seriously), and her moist brown sugar spice cupcake with cookie butter vanilla bean buttercream is a showstopper.”

16350 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-616-3838