In the small, inviting bar of Cafe...

In the small, inviting bar of Cafe Pierre in Manhattan Beach, you’ll notice a poster of Julia Child. The poster, celebrating a dinner held in honor of Child’s 80th birthday, has many illustrious signatures from the world of French gastronomy, including those of super-chefs Paul Bocuse, Marc Meneau and Alain Ducasse. Among the proud signatories is Guy Gabriele, chef-owner of the Cafe Pierre and one of the chefs of the memorable event.

The diverse menu, featuring a mixture of French, Italian and Californian cuisines, and even a few Mexican influences, mirrors the chef’s life. Gabriele is of Italian ancestry, but was born and grew up near Nice, on the French Riviera, where his family operated a gourmet market. He went on to hotel school in Italy and soon ventured to Los Angeles. After earning a master’s degree in literature, he opened Crepe Pierre in 1977, at the height of the crepe craze. The menu eventually evolved beyond crepes, so, in 1980, he changed the name of his eatery to Cafe Pierre.

The pleasant, dimly lighted dining room is lined with prints, many depicting French bistro waiters, while fresh flowers adorn the tables. The service is prompt and friendly.

Among the hors d’oeuvres is sauteed calamari ($6.50), served with red and yellow peppers in a white wine, shrimp sauce. Soft polenta ($6.50) is mixed with Gorgonzola, mushrooms and roasted garlic. Grilled eggplant ($6.75) has a lively seasoning of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet onions and capers. In rainy weather, the French onion soup ($5.95) is warming. A popular main course is the roasted chicken Tante Paulette ($12.95), a half bird served on mashed potatoes, roasted peppers, garlic and the olive paste tapenade. Camarones Tamaulipas ($15.50), is grilled shrimp with a Mexican note: chiles, onions, tomatoes, thyme and bay leaves.

Lunch offerings include salad Nicoise ($7.25) and linguine tossed with artichokes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil and Parmesan ($7.50).

Cafe Pierre is at 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. (310) 545-5252. Open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.