Thomas Keller's Bar Bouchon opens today, on the first floor space beneath the lofty digs of the new Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills, just in time for the booze marathon of the holidays. Shopping in Beverly Hills requires a drink for many of us anyway.

The bar concept is the first from Keller and company, and will feature a classic French bar with indoor and outdoor terrace seating for up to 46. The menu will be of the small plates variety, with charcuterie, cheeses, sandwiches, caviar and desserts. Drinks-wise, there will be artisanal beers and over 40 wines, both French and American. Bar Bouchon will also carry the restaurant's Vin de Carafe offerings, which feature a selection of wines crafted for Bouchon. And yes, there will be a cocktail menu.

The bar will be open from 11:30 a.m. until midnight daily. And the place doesn't take reservations, so whoever parks that Barneys bag down first wins.

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