Eating my way through LA

To acknowledge my 3 days of straight eating in LA, I actually need 3 separate blogs. The first is Friday night dinner at the "A-Frame" in Culver City. The second: Santa Monica Farmers Market. The third: a Rob Tallon brunch extravaganza.



A-Frame
12565 W Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90066
(310) 398-7700


So, they call it "Asian Fusion" but I'm not sure if that really describes this experience. It was most like bbq meets the beach meets Seattle Japanese fusion. First of all, the place is an old re-done I-HOP, which explains the name A-Frame. It has a casual setting full of picnic tables and silverware in a container in the middle of the tables. They have a full bar, cute wait staff, and an outside patio area with heaters. Most importantly, go there with a group!! If you went on a date, you would get a platter of 4 chicken quadrants and feel really awkward. This place requires involving licking your fingers, dripping sauce on your shirt, and reaching across the table.

I'll just highlight some of my top favorites, but honestly, the menu was refreshingly original and unique and the food was really good.

Please start with the Kettle Popcorn - it is sweet, spicy, and herb-y: the perfect, unexpected appetizer.

We had to order 2 plates of veggie tempura - broccoli rabe with squash lightly fried with a delicate tempura crust...delicious and not greasy like it can sometimes be.

Crab cakes were very flavorful, moist and delivered in an interesting way: served on a light cream sauce and meant to be wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of eaten with a fork.

Beer can chicken was incredible - so moist and perfectly cooked. Please try the red sauce with it; the spicy curry flavor is such a great pair for the poultry.

Most dishes are in the $8-$16 range and definitely made for sharing so grab a big group, put your name on the 2 hour wait list and go grab a drink next door while you're waiting. Make sure to come hungry and DEFINATELY get the dessert!! Churros with malted ice cream that you dip it in.....I want to go back already...