The recession is unofficially over, or at least so the Commerce Department reported this morning. Which means we can all go back to living beyond our means, conveniently in time for the holiday season. To celebrate, why not blow your unemployment check on some old school decadent frillies at Petrossian West Hollywood.

Better yet, head over to the Robertson Boulevard boutique and restaurant next Sunday afternoon (November 8th), when they'll be hosting a pre-holiday tasting from noon to 5. The staff will be handing out free Champagne, appetizers and chocolate samples. The shop's caviar and foie, smoked salmon and French chocolates, olive oils and whatnot, will still set you back some, but I guess if you average it out (free + seriously pricey), then you get something approaching normal.

And if you want to sit down for some cold borscht with crème fraîche, or duck confit with cassoulet, Petrossian, which was remodeled in May, now has a restaurant with outdoor sidewalk seating. The kitchen debuted a new menu (“casual French fare”) last week.

Petrossian Boutique & Restaurant: 321 North Robertson Blvd.; West Hollywood; (310) 271-0576.

Credit: Petrossian

Credit: Petrossian

Credit: Petrossian

Credit: Petrossian

Credit: Petrossian

Credit: Petrossian

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