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République is a mainstay of the Los Angeles dining scene, a French bistro routinely topping “best of” lists.

But for the mom-and-pop shops in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades — the dry cleaners, tattoo parlors, bars, bistros and stores that sold antiques, flowers, books, pottery and macaroons — the devastation is more personal.

I sat at one of the bistro tables, my nerves tingling.

Frechette is a neo bistro where I can really push what a classic French dessert is.

Weekend plans: Get in a hike, enjoy a meal at my favorite bistro.