Own A Piece Of Bistro Garden History: Liquidation In SF Valley

Susan C. Schena
·2 min read

STUDIO CITY, CA — Locals with fond memories of dining at The Bistro Garden at Coldwater can snag memorabilia, and more practical such items as silverware and serving sets, at the restaurant's liquidation sale this weekend in Studio City.

After 30 years of treating patrons, including a slew of celebs, to its fine cuisine and legendary chocolate soufflés in a winter-garden atmosphere, the family-owned establishment shut its doors earlier this month, citing coronavirus-related hardships.

"Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain future of the restaurant industry, it is with great sorrow and emotional upheaval that after 30 years, The Bistro Garden at Coldwater will be closing," the Niklas and Pappas families said at the time.

On a final note for the business, a closing-liquidation is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with furnishings offered at a public sale. As of now, it is unclear if the liquidation will be at the restaurant at 12950 Ventura Blvd. The location was not released on the event's website, which stated that the site of the Studio City sale will be announced Thursday morning.

Among the items pictured and available for purchase: high-back, red chairs from the bar; ornate chandeliers and wall sconces; a wine cabinet; flatware; sets of china; chafing dishes; linens; tables; holiday decorations; and ample kitchen equipment, including pots, pans and mixing bowls.

Also for sale are numerous pieces of art, which —who knows? — could prove true, vintage finds for movie buffs.

When German immigrant and Bistro founder Kurt Niklas moved his original Bistro, which opened nearly six decades ago in Beverly Hills, to its current location in 1990 in the San Fernando Valley, he aimed for an interior reminiscent of a winter garden, his daughter-turned-restaurateur Carolyn Niklas Pappas said.

Carolyn said her father once was smitten with the movie-set design of the Billy Wilder film,"Irma La Douce." Wilder, a Bistro regular, invited Niklas to visit the film's prop room and pick whatever he wanted — which Niklas did. So in the restaurant's move to Studio City, he brought along those props and artwork to The Bistro Garden at Coldwater— which fit the eatery's European-glam vibe.

Follow this link for sale details.

And for more on the history of the restaurant: Bistro Garden At Coldwater Closing After 30 Years In SF Valley

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This article originally appeared on the Sherman Oaks Patch