Fraiche, is absolutely lovely. The decor is simple yet elegant and although we arrived 20 minutes before lunch ended there was still quite the crowd. Businessmen in suits discussing deals over pizza, ladies dishing the dirt over a dirty martini and sweet couples who just wondered in off the street occupied the corners. French music, Nina Simone and Michael Buble serenaded us while the staff took extra special care of our needs.
The Staff was limited to a Maitre d' and server but there was really no need for more. Our food arrived promptly and was everything I could have imagined and more.
I ordered the MONKFISH “FRANCAISE” w/Sautéed spinach, Yukon gold potato puree,
Let me just begin with the Monkfish, honestly I'm not even sure what a Monkfish is or how it looks and frankly I probably don't want to know - but I do know that it is by far the most incredible, delicious, tender, juiciest fish I've ever had the pleasure to eat. Considering it's a fish, the texture was more like a very tender chicken sauteed in LOTS of butter and rolled around your tongue so delicately. This meal was absolutely fantastic from beginning to end.
I filled my first fork full with a piece of Monkfish, potatoes and a generous helping of Spinach - and literally felt as if I had just experienced a party of sensations in my mouth. Upon recommendation from the Maitre d', I paired the dish with an Italian Sauvignon Blanc and it was 'Parfait' (perfect in French). The smoothness and hints of peach from the wine worked amazingly well with the butter wine sauce surrounding the fish.
The Steak Frites was just as commendable, although I prefer my steak medium, mom requested medium well. It was tender and the rub gave it excellent flavor (peppery and smokey). This was a great lunch time choice as the sides were hand cut fries. The dish filled you but you didn't finish feeling like you consumed a small cow.
It was easy to go back to work after this meal, we were beyond satisfied physically, emotionally and spiritually. I do believe I had a spiritual experience with my Monkfish.
I can not say enough about Fraiche, and would recommend this place in a heart beat. The Santa Monica location just opened recently (their first location being in Culver City). The owners own some of LA's finest restaurants and this one is really no exception. I love their concepts and in my opinion its rare to find a group that is good at so many different types of themes.
I am looking forward to experiencing more from this restaurant group and having more 'spiritual' experiences with a meal.
If French cooking is your thing and you want to try your hand at it, I highly recommend the Mastering the Art of French Cooking cookbook below. It is a great book to start off with and it's by none other than the fabulous Julia Child. Perhaps you can make a meal for some friends and then enjoy the film, Julie & Julia for dessert.
Bon Appetit
1 comment:
Great review. I wished I was in Fraiche with a plate of Monkish Francaise and some white wine while I was reading thru your post. Your detailed description almost had me drooling and wishing that I lived in Santa Monica.
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