Flashback: Fraiche

I live in Culver City. For the past year or so, we have experienced an influx of new restaurants and wine bars. I'm loving it. One of the first of the new restaurants was Ford's Filling Station (which is owned by Harrison Ford's son, Chef Ben). I completely forgot my trip there when I wrote my first post. It was sometime late last year. Honestly, I forgot what I ate. I think it was a pot roast with lots of seasonal veggies. I don't recall any details. I just remember it was delicious. So, fork up to Ford's Filling Station.

But, this post is about Fraiche. I went on Sunday, July 22nd. I remember because it was the day after the Harry Potter book was released. Can you say non-stop reading machine? Earlier that day, I went to brunch at Taste (still salty that my poached eggs were overcooked) with a couple of friends and the most adorable baby this side of the Mississippi. I had nothing else to do that day except read my book. So, I holed up in a Starbucks after brunch and read for awhile. Then, I decided that I was hungry again. I thought, I know I'll try out that new restaurant down the street. Apparently, I didn't know what alot of real foodies know---it's not exactly a walk-in spot at the moment. It's really busy. So, picture my surprise when the hostess told me they MIGHT have a table in an hour. An hour? She said I was welcome to sit at the bar. Not. I didn't want the limited bar menu, I wanted a meal...the experience. So, I told her I'd wait. And, wait I did. But, as a true Potterhead, I whipped out my book. Wine and Harry Potter on a lovely, quiet Culver City day...what could be better?

Fast forward one hour. The hostess informs me that a table is available. I am seated at a table in the outdoor patio area. Lots of good people watching. So, I was very happy. Now, let's get down to the viddles.

I started with the Roasted Corn soup with clams and basil. It was so good that I had to remember that Emily Post would roll over in her grave if I did what I wanted to do...which was lick the bowl. Yeah, that was some good soup.

For my entree, I selected the Lamb Spezzatino with Ricotta Gnocchi and gremlota. Spezzatino is an Italian stew. It was a rich, nicely seasoned stew with little tender morsels of lamb. The gnoochi (potato based pasta--kinda like a little dumpling) was really nice. Coupled with a nice Pinot Noir, it was a very successful dish.


After eating every bit of the dish, I had no room for dessert. I was fine with that. Nothing really spoke to me.

Overall, Fraiche was great. I will definitely go back. It's close and yummy.

http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/