{"id":3375,"date":"2010-06-12T07:23:35","date_gmt":"2010-06-12T14:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/burgersdogspizza.com\/?p=3375"},"modified":"2010-06-12T07:23:35","modified_gmt":"2010-06-12T14:23:35","slug":"culver-city-ca-fraiche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.peterstromquist.com\/?p=3375","title":{"rendered":"Culver City, CA – Fraiche"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>There was a time in the not so distant past that saying “upscale dining” and “Culver City” in the same sentence would draw either snickers or stares….not so anymore with the strip of eateries along Culver Boulevard. Fraiche is one such outlet.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a decent happy hour menu featuring drink and food prices, what can a place like this do for an encore? Knock your socks off with their “Euro” dinner menu, a melange of creations from around the continent.<\/strong><\/p>\n

My guest started with the yellow beets appetizer, and, although I’m not particularly fond of beets, I have to admit that was a tasty starter. Mine first course was the beef tartare, a nicely seasoned coarse grind, with a sprinkle to tangily dressed arugula, and a few slivers of hard cheese.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The mains were impressive, with my companion going for the short rib and truffle oil ravioli, and I took another whack at the appetizer menu, ordering the Chef’s Salumi selection, for my premiere course, which included a variety of delicate pork products as well as a hefty chunk of duck pate.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Earlier on, sitting at the bar, I waded through a couple of perfectly made Pimm’s Cups. Great bartenders, affable host, wandering manager inquiring as to people’s satisfaction. Great food, great company, twinkly lights at a patio table…. definitely on my to-do list for an encore!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check out their dinner menu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(Admit it, gazing at the pic of the ravioli, who wouldn’t want to dive into those soft, symmetrical pillowy shapes of goodness!)<\/strong><\/p>\n