I had quite a wonderful dinner at the newly opened Fraiche in Culver City. They offer a special bar menu for the outdoor lounge and indoor bar area, which is nicely sequestered away form the main dining room. There are a couple of stools at the service counter as well, so you may watch the cooks prepare your meal in the open kitchen. Our waiter was very pleasant, although could have used a little more knowledge with the wines, and our request for the sommelier was never fulfilled. Other than that, the evening and food were perfect, and I look forward to returning. We started of with a selection of salumi and charcuterie, and we received a second platter, courtesy of chef Jason Travi (my friend is an acquaintance of his). We had crespino, felino, procuitto, porchetta, rabbit rillete and my favorites, guanciale and lardo ($5 each or $25 for the chef’s selection).
We moved on to the appetizers. A lemony and light beef tartare ($13), and a smoked eel salad ($11).
Unfortunately, they were out of the boudin noir, which my friend told me was excellent. From the pasta selctions, we choose the braised rabbit tortelli ($13), and pork osso buco agnolotti ($13), both superb.
The servings are appetizer sized, but you may opt for entrée size. The appetizer size is perfect to share in between an appetizer and main course. For our mains, we shared the Monkfish “Francaise” with spinach, white wine and shallots ($22), and the roasted veal cheek with semolina, romesco and pickles lipstick peppers ($20). The entrees were excellent and well priced, although the portions are slightly small, especially if you do not order appetizers. Unfortunaltely, it became too dark at this point to take a clear photo. We moved on to a cheese plate ($3 for $12 or 5 for $15), then the Paris-brest for dessert. They have a bar menu which includes a decadent cheese fondue, which I will surely try next time. I highly recommend Fraiche, the food is well executed, artfully presented and very satisfying.
Fraiche
9411 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, Ca 90232
310-839-6800
6 comments:
Hi! Your blog is great. I stumbled upon your little site here when I was just googling fraiche. Low and behold I found several interesting sites, including your link regarding the opening (several postings ago). I went last Saturday night. I had the same "chefs choice" platter to start; I sampled the branzino cooked in parchment paper (good), the iron steak with frites (great), and the pork (great). I also had the paris-brest. REALLY ONE OF THE BEST GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES I HAVE HAD IN LOS ANGELES FOR SOME TIME!!! You must go. I look forward to going again. Hope to see you all there.
GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE - Sounds painful. You should consult a doctor.
Went on a Saturday night and it wasn't too crowded. I sat outside and had the moules frites from the bar menu. A small plate for $10 that was the perfect size for me. Food was great and I like that they have a full bar and none of the wines are very expensive.
WOW! this place looks amazing! I'm gonna have to put this on my list! Can't wait to try the beef tartare!
Have been to fraiche twice. First time was second night. Great salumis and charcuterie. Creative starters - love the farro salad. The filled pastas are a disappointment - fillings good, but pasta texture is reminiscent of won ton skins. A big surprise, since chef came from La Terza, best agnolotti in Los Angeles. Wine list is great, mark-up very reasonable, as is corkage. We continue to enjoy and have high hopes for improvement.
my wife and i love fraiche! of course getting a weekend reservation nowadays is as hard as osteria mozza! try the homemade cookies dessert next time...it smy favorite! plus they have my favorite beer on tap....hoogarden (bad spelling).
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