La Rue was the latest project of Hollywood Reporter’s Billy Wilkerson following Ciro’s and L’Aiglon. It opened at 8361 Sunset Boulevard on the Strip in April 1944. An elegant restaurant which served French food, it was more of a gathering place at lunch time than a wild niterie loaded with action where stars sat in rich gold leather booths, as opposed to the more usual red ones. The dining room was dominated by two huge crystal chandeliers which were so elaborate that the proprietors had to regularly summon crystal cleaning specialists from San Francisco. I don’t know how long it lasted, but I do know that by 1950, the sign over the door read: “The Clearing House Of Information On Public Figures” . . . whatever that was!
Hi,
I was looking up the address to La Rue, because my dad who is 88 years old, used to work there in the late 40’s. He has always told us stories about all the movie stars that used to go there. Maybe some time you would like to talk to him. He also has a photograph of him and all of the staff in front of La Rue’s.
Mr. Figini: My father, Francisco Preciado, used to work with your grandfather, Orlando Figini. He also worked with David Del Boca. I have heard stories till this day of how much he learned from and enjoyed working with your grandfather. My father is 92 years old but pretty sharp and remembers his working years fondly.
Hi Rosie – my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter and the niece of Mark Figini. Are there any stories you’d be willing to share with me? If so I’d love to hear them, I’m collecting as many as I can to preserve as part of my family’s history.
Hi, Natalie – My wife and I lived in L.A in the fifties and La Rue was our favorite restaurant. On our first visit we had chicken with grapes and for dessert the waiter told us they had an off menu dish the chef had created for a party for a Romanoff princess “Pear Pom Pom” that they had two extra portions of. A poached pear stuffed with chestnut glace and covered with raspberry sauce whip cream and shaved chocolate. Two kids from the mid west were hooked. On occasion I still enjoy our version of both dishes all these years later.
My father, Milano, Nino Sirotich also worked at La Rue and had stories about the different patrons. I would like to share them with you sometime if you are still interested. I think that my Father met your Chef Orlando when they were at Belle Vista Camp during the war. I think I remember visiting the Chef when he lived on Kings Road off of Sunset Blvd with my sister. My dad was also friends with a man named Les Roubidoux, and I have a video of the waiter’s gathering together for a party at someone’s house
My Father, Milano, Nino Sirotich also worked as a waiter there and I remember his stories about some of the famous patrons. He loved filming his family and friends and I have some videos of several of the La Rue employees and families gathering at someone’s house in the SF Valley. Unfortuantely, we moved back east in 1955 and he passed away in 1997.
A “B” noir named DESTINATION MURDER features a montage scene depicting menus from all the restaurants and nightspots that Stanley Clements’ character is taking Joyce Mackenzie’s character too. La Rue is one of the menus pictured.
Thanks for the heads up – I’ll keep an eye out for it. At the time, La Rue was a very well-known restaurant. Also: I’m listening to Cladrite radio right now!
That montage scened in “Destination Murder” is what brought me to this page! I couldn’t recall any of the other restaurants in the montage bur La Rue stuck out. I wondered if these were actual Los Angeles restaurants and I see that they were. Do you recall any of the others from the montage? I love reading about popular vintage Los Angeles and Hollywood haunts. I look forward to reading the Hollywood Garden of Allah novels!
I haven’t seen the movie myself. I was hoping maybe someone had put the montage on YouTube but alas no. If you like reading about haunts during he golden age of Hollywood, my Garden of Allah novels are right up your alley!
I’m watching “Destination Murder” now. The menus shown were from Tail o’ The Cock, Chanteclair, La Rue, Stear’s for Steaks, and Marquis Restaurant.
While the menus were being shown, a couple was driving north on Restaurant Row and you could see the neon signs for several restaurants – Lawry’s (originally on the south side of the street where the Stinking Rose is now), Stear’s for Steaks, Perry’s and Richlor’s.
I lived near Restaurant Row from 1966 to 1986. I remember Stear’s For Steaks but I never heard of Perry’s or Richlor’s. They were long gone by 1966.
There’s a website that is closing down at the end of 2020. It’s about old L.A. restaurants. Oddly enough, it’s called oldlarestaurants.com. Visit it while you can.
My dads restaurant with his partner Orlando Figini. Wonderful time of my life helping out prepping in the kitchen and setting up the main dining room. Led me into the restaurant industry as a manager then owner
Hi Silvio — my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter. I would love to hear any stories of the restaurant that you’re willing to share! I’m trying to collect as many as I can to keep the memories going for as long as possible.
My Father, Nino Sirotich also worked as a waiter there and I remember his stories about some of the famous patrons. He loved filming his family and friends and I have some videos of several of the La Rue employees and families gathering at someone’s house in the SF Valley. Unfortunately, we moved back east in 1955 and he passed away in 1997. My father was incarcerated at Ft Missoula during the war and I think that’s where he met Orlando Figini.
Hi Silvio — my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter. I would love to hear any stories of the restaurant that you’re willing to share! I’m trying to collect as many as I can to keep the memories going for as long as possible.
My family lived on Kings Rd. in West Hollywood in the 50’s and 60’s and the Figinni family whose father was the head cook lived down the street. They were the nicest family and were always inviting me inside to taste the delicious food Mrs. Figinni was always cooking. They invited my family for dinner at the restaurant and it was so elegant. Even though I was only a child I remember how gracious we were all treated. They had Eva Maria Alberghetti’s wedding in their backyard; and of course the food was catered from LaRue’s. I have only the fondest memories of this family and wonder how their children Johnnie and Angela are.
Hi, my name is Joseph L Gomez . My dad José worked there back in the 1950’s-1960’s. He had stories of meeting big time movie stars like John Wayne and Humphrey Bogarts. I remember my dad taking me to the restaurant on a Sunday and introducing to the working staff. My dad had a photo taken outside of everything but don’t know what happened to it. Would love to get a copy if anyone has one. Photo was taken in late 1959-1963.
My husband just mentioned LA RUE. His father, Ambassador Mario Ungaro was Italy’s consul in Los Angeles, and my husband remembers La Rue, and Messrs Figini and Pet(t)oletti. We’re talking about this now. Che piccolo mondo!! Amazing. My husband is Carlo Ungaro. Ciao a tutte e tutti! ?
Also looked La Rue up because of a movie montage of neon signs, except it was ‘The Strip’ with Mickey Rooney from 1951. Also in the montage were Marquis, The Players, Ciro’s, Mocambo, Bublichki, Villa Nova, Scandia, and Fluff’s, which may have been fictional for the movie.
Does anyone know if old La Rue recipes are published? I still remember loving Shrimps La Rue (not sure if that’s the exact name) when I was a kid and we went to La Rue for special occasions. I’ve always wanted to duplicate it.
Since LaRue’s original owner Billy Wilkerson was one of my architect dad’s clients, we often had fun “eating the fee” at the restaurant, receiving wonderful treatment by the maitre d’hotel Bruno the elegant. The interior was elegant, tones of golden beige and deep red carpeting and crystal lighting fixtures. The menus were high-falutin’ European, with possibly the finest version ever of lasagna…so rich, a 2” square would be a little orchestra all by itself. Bruno loved watching my joyful pounce on my 2” of bliss and made sure that whatever else was ordered for our table, my mini-lasagne was always included. Watching celebrities was the subtext of any evening, and I remember seeing Bogie and Bacall at their table across from Oscar Levant and elegant Kate Hepburn slouched into a booth scarfing up along with the rest of us. I had my first legal cocktail at LaRue’s, and got to treat a couple of college friends to a pre-graduation feast. Eating at LaRue’s was a seriously high quality event, we dressed up for it (heels, gloves, nicest dresses) and tried to be as elegant as possible when we sashayed in and allowed ourselves to be seated. Musso Franks was everyday quality, but LaRue’s was for special occasions, to be taken seriously. The stately and gentlemanly Bruno commanded only the best from all of us. Our reward was a 2” square of lasagne to get our feasts started.
Hi, the last time that I left a comment here was back in June of 2015. My father, Gregorio Luis Hernandez worked at La Rue’s Restaurant in the late 1940’s. He was 91 years old when he had a wonderful time talking on the phone to Mariella, daughter in law to Bruno Petoletti, who contacted me through this site in 2018. My Dad passed away March 4, 2020. As we were going through his precious belongings we came across an original La Rue’s Menu, signed by Orlando and Bruno, to him. He also had a photograph taken of the entire staff and owner’s outside of La Rue’s Restaurant. My Dad left us with so many wonderful memories of his life. If anyone is interested in contacting me, feel free to do so.
There’s some great footage of La Rue in the 1951 movie Hollywood Story. You can see it on Youtube starting at about the 52:20 mark: https://youtu.be/EujxuRHuec8?t=3140
In case my previous comment got auto deleted due to a link embedded, the 1951 movie Hollywood Story has a scene that was filmed at Larue, both inside and on the street in front. A high quality copy of the film is available on Youtube, just search for “Hollywood Story (1951)” at Youtube. The La Rue scene begins at about the 52:20 mark. The movie is a rarity for the time with much of it filmed on location and it features many great shots of the city as it was at the time.
I parked cars at the La Rue in 1964-1965 in the evenings from 8:00 PM until 2:00AM. The gentleman who owned the concession there also owned the concession at the Cock and Bull further up on Sunset Strip. It was a great job for a star struck kid from the Mid-West. Got to park stars automobiles and meet lots and lots of stars including Frank Sinatra, Jackie Cooper, Jackie Cogan, Maury Amsterdam, and many more. I remember Frank Sinatra gave me $20.00 for just opening the door of his Duel Ghia as it never got parked anywhere except in front of the door.
La Rue was the latest project of Hollywood Reporter’s Billy Wilkerson following Ciro’s and L’Aiglon. It opened at 8361 Sunset Boulevard on the Strip in April 1944. An elegant restaurant which served French food, it was more of a gathering place at lunch time than a wild niterie loaded with action where stars sat in rich gold leather booths, as opposed to the more usual red ones. The dining room was dominated by two huge crystal chandeliers which were so elaborate that the proprietors had to regularly summon crystal cleaning specialists from San Francisco. I don’t know how long it lasted, but I do know that by 1950, the sign over the door read: “The Clearing House Of Information On Public Figures” . . . whatever that was!
Hi,
I was looking up the address to La Rue, because my dad who is 88 years old, used to work there in the late 40’s. He has always told us stories about all the movie stars that used to go there. Maybe some time you would like to talk to him. He also has a photograph of him and all of the staff in front of La Rue’s.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
My name is Mark Figini and I am the grandson of La Rue’s Chef Orlando Figini. I would be interested in obtaining a copy of the photo.
Thanks
Mr. Figini: My father, Francisco Preciado, used to work with your grandfather, Orlando Figini. He also worked with David Del Boca. I have heard stories till this day of how much he learned from and enjoyed working with your grandfather. My father is 92 years old but pretty sharp and remembers his working years fondly.
Hi Rosie – my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter and the niece of Mark Figini. Are there any stories you’d be willing to share with me? If so I’d love to hear them, I’m collecting as many as I can to preserve as part of my family’s history.
Hi, Natalie – My wife and I lived in L.A in the fifties and La Rue was our favorite restaurant. On our first visit we had chicken with grapes and for dessert the waiter told us they had an off menu dish the chef had created for a party for a Romanoff princess “Pear Pom Pom” that they had two extra portions of. A poached pear stuffed with chestnut glace and covered with raspberry sauce whip cream and shaved chocolate. Two kids from the mid west were hooked. On occasion I still enjoy our version of both dishes all these years later.
Lucky you, Don!
My father, Milano, Nino Sirotich also worked at La Rue and had stories about the different patrons. I would like to share them with you sometime if you are still interested. I think that my Father met your Chef Orlando when they were at Belle Vista Camp during the war. I think I remember visiting the Chef when he lived on Kings Road off of Sunset Blvd with my sister. My dad was also friends with a man named Les Roubidoux, and I have a video of the waiter’s gathering together for a party at someone’s house
My Father, Milano, Nino Sirotich also worked as a waiter there and I remember his stories about some of the famous patrons. He loved filming his family and friends and I have some videos of several of the La Rue employees and families gathering at someone’s house in the SF Valley. Unfortuantely, we moved back east in 1955 and he passed away in 1997.
A “B” noir named DESTINATION MURDER features a montage scene depicting menus from all the restaurants and nightspots that Stanley Clements’ character is taking Joyce Mackenzie’s character too. La Rue is one of the menus pictured.
Thanks for the heads up – I’ll keep an eye out for it. At the time, La Rue was a very well-known restaurant. Also: I’m listening to Cladrite radio right now!
That montage scened in “Destination Murder” is what brought me to this page! I couldn’t recall any of the other restaurants in the montage bur La Rue stuck out. I wondered if these were actual Los Angeles restaurants and I see that they were. Do you recall any of the others from the montage? I love reading about popular vintage Los Angeles and Hollywood haunts. I look forward to reading the Hollywood Garden of Allah novels!
I haven’t seen the movie myself. I was hoping maybe someone had put the montage on YouTube but alas no. If you like reading about haunts during he golden age of Hollywood, my Garden of Allah novels are right up your alley!
I’m watching “Destination Murder” now. The menus shown were from Tail o’ The Cock, Chanteclair, La Rue, Stear’s for Steaks, and Marquis Restaurant.
While the menus were being shown, a couple was driving north on Restaurant Row and you could see the neon signs for several restaurants – Lawry’s (originally on the south side of the street where the Stinking Rose is now), Stear’s for Steaks, Perry’s and Richlor’s.
Thanks for that update, Jack. A couple of those restaurants are new to me: Chanteclair and Stear’s for Steaks.
I lived near Restaurant Row from 1966 to 1986. I remember Stear’s For Steaks but I never heard of Perry’s or Richlor’s. They were long gone by 1966.
There’s a website that is closing down at the end of 2020. It’s about old L.A. restaurants. Oddly enough, it’s called oldlarestaurants.com. Visit it while you can.
My dads restaurant with his partner Orlando Figini. Wonderful time of my life helping out prepping in the kitchen and setting up the main dining room. Led me into the restaurant industry as a manager then owner
Your dad ran LaRue? Or was it something else when you were happily toiling in the kitchen?
Yes, his father ran La Rue restaurant. ?
Thanks, Marian!
Hi Silvio — my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter. I would love to hear any stories of the restaurant that you’re willing to share! I’m trying to collect as many as I can to keep the memories going for as long as possible.
I read about La Rue in Marilyn Monroes interview from 1952 ‘Wolves I have known’
And I bet she knew a lot of them!
By chance do you remember Gene Jones?
My Father, Nino Sirotich also worked as a waiter there and I remember his stories about some of the famous patrons. He loved filming his family and friends and I have some videos of several of the La Rue employees and families gathering at someone’s house in the SF Valley. Unfortunately, we moved back east in 1955 and he passed away in 1997. My father was incarcerated at Ft Missoula during the war and I think that’s where he met Orlando Figini.
Hi Silvio — my name is Natalie, I’m Orlando Figini’s great-grandaughter. I would love to hear any stories of the restaurant that you’re willing to share! I’m trying to collect as many as I can to keep the memories going for as long as possible.
My family lived on Kings Rd. in West Hollywood in the 50’s and 60’s and the Figinni family whose father was the head cook lived down the street. They were the nicest family and were always inviting me inside to taste the delicious food Mrs. Figinni was always cooking. They invited my family for dinner at the restaurant and it was so elegant. Even though I was only a child I remember how gracious we were all treated. They had Eva Maria Alberghetti’s wedding in their backyard; and of course the food was catered from LaRue’s. I have only the fondest memories of this family and wonder how their children Johnnie and Angela are.
Hi, my name is Joseph L Gomez . My dad José worked there back in the 1950’s-1960’s. He had stories of meeting big time movie stars like John Wayne and Humphrey Bogarts. I remember my dad taking me to the restaurant on a Sunday and introducing to the working staff. My dad had a photo taken outside of everything but don’t know what happened to it. Would love to get a copy if anyone has one. Photo was taken in late 1959-1963.
Hi Joseph, let’s hope someone reading this has a copy!
My husband just mentioned LA RUE. His father, Ambassador Mario Ungaro was Italy’s consul in Los Angeles, and my husband remembers La Rue, and Messrs Figini and Pet(t)oletti. We’re talking about this now. Che piccolo mondo!! Amazing. My husband is Carlo Ungaro. Ciao a tutte e tutti! ?
Also looked La Rue up because of a movie montage of neon signs, except it was ‘The Strip’ with Mickey Rooney from 1951. Also in the montage were Marquis, The Players, Ciro’s, Mocambo, Bublichki, Villa Nova, Scandia, and Fluff’s, which may have been fictional for the movie.
I’ve heard of all those other places, so I suspect Fluff’s was made up.
Heard place mentioned in Rockford files
Does anyone know if old La Rue recipes are published? I still remember loving Shrimps La Rue (not sure if that’s the exact name) when I was a kid and we went to La Rue for special occasions. I’ve always wanted to duplicate it.
Since LaRue’s original owner Billy Wilkerson was one of my architect dad’s clients, we often had fun “eating the fee” at the restaurant, receiving wonderful treatment by the maitre d’hotel Bruno the elegant. The interior was elegant, tones of golden beige and deep red carpeting and crystal lighting fixtures. The menus were high-falutin’ European, with possibly the finest version ever of lasagna…so rich, a 2” square would be a little orchestra all by itself. Bruno loved watching my joyful pounce on my 2” of bliss and made sure that whatever else was ordered for our table, my mini-lasagne was always included. Watching celebrities was the subtext of any evening, and I remember seeing Bogie and Bacall at their table across from Oscar Levant and elegant Kate Hepburn slouched into a booth scarfing up along with the rest of us. I had my first legal cocktail at LaRue’s, and got to treat a couple of college friends to a pre-graduation feast. Eating at LaRue’s was a seriously high quality event, we dressed up for it (heels, gloves, nicest dresses) and tried to be as elegant as possible when we sashayed in and allowed ourselves to be seated. Musso Franks was everyday quality, but LaRue’s was for special occasions, to be taken seriously. The stately and gentlemanly Bruno commanded only the best from all of us. Our reward was a 2” square of lasagne to get our feasts started.
Thanks for sharing your La Rue memories with us! It’s sure sounds like a swell affair every time you went.
Hi, the last time that I left a comment here was back in June of 2015. My father, Gregorio Luis Hernandez worked at La Rue’s Restaurant in the late 1940’s. He was 91 years old when he had a wonderful time talking on the phone to Mariella, daughter in law to Bruno Petoletti, who contacted me through this site in 2018. My Dad passed away March 4, 2020. As we were going through his precious belongings we came across an original La Rue’s Menu, signed by Orlando and Bruno, to him. He also had a photograph taken of the entire staff and owner’s outside of La Rue’s Restaurant. My Dad left us with so many wonderful memories of his life. If anyone is interested in contacting me, feel free to do so.
Hi Sharon, and welcome back. Wow, an original La Rue menu. I’d imagine that someone here would be interested in it.
Sharon, I would love to see the photo and of course the menu.
There’s some great footage of La Rue in the 1951 movie Hollywood Story. You can see it on Youtube starting at about the 52:20 mark: https://youtu.be/EujxuRHuec8?t=3140
In case my previous comment got auto deleted due to a link embedded, the 1951 movie Hollywood Story has a scene that was filmed at Larue, both inside and on the street in front. A high quality copy of the film is available on Youtube, just search for “Hollywood Story (1951)” at Youtube. The La Rue scene begins at about the 52:20 mark. The movie is a rarity for the time with much of it filmed on location and it features many great shots of the city as it was at the time.
Did they ever have jazz there?
I parked cars at the La Rue in 1964-1965 in the evenings from 8:00 PM until 2:00AM. The gentleman who owned the concession there also owned the concession at the Cock and Bull further up on Sunset Strip. It was a great job for a star struck kid from the Mid-West. Got to park stars automobiles and meet lots and lots of stars including Frank Sinatra, Jackie Cooper, Jackie Cogan, Maury Amsterdam, and many more. I remember Frank Sinatra gave me $20.00 for just opening the door of his Duel Ghia as it never got parked anywhere except in front of the door.