Fraiche - no thanks.

Read a lot about this place - mostly all raves. I could not wait to try it. It's actually pretty hard to get into, so I made two reservations - one on a Friday night, and one a couple weeks later on a Saturday. From what I read, I determined we would want to eat there twice.

We arrived a few minutes early, were told our table was not ready and went to the bar. It was very crowded and the various staff rushing by with boxes, etc. kept running into me. It was not comfortable to say the least, but we got a couple very nicely made drinks. I think it's weird when you have a dinner reservation and can't transfer your check (the person who seated us made a point of ensuring we closed our tab out first), but that was no big deal.

While we waited by the hostess station, we noticed the wine was stored in a cabinet that was not temperature controlled. Because it was really hot out, it was quite noticeable there was no air conditioning, so I was wondering how the wine kept cold. More on that later...

We started off with some oysters. When they arrived, I asked the person delivering them which were which (we had ordered all 3 types). He looked alarmed and walked away. Our server came over and told us she didn't know so she tried to guess. One variety was excellent, one was ok and the other I didn't really care for. Unfortunately, I'm not sure which type was my favorite.

We thought the wine list looked pretty interesting, so asked to see the sommelier to discuss some options with him. Our server told us they didn't have anyone, but we could ask her. She readily admitted not knowing many of the wines we asked about. Finally, when we asked about wines from Languedoc, she said she'd have to get someone else. We were pleased Jen, formerly of Angelini, came over and helped us. She suggested a Loire Carignane that was very reasonable. We enjoyed it. However, right after she opened it and poured me a taste, she asked if I wanted it chilled. It was definitely warm. She put it on ice, and it took a good while for it to reach the correct temperature. Surprising.

We ordered the beef tartare, farro salad, steak frites and initially the pappardelle. However, in talking with our server, she steered us toward the tortelli with rabbit. I had read many raves about it so I ordered it.

The steak tartare was fine, but nothing great. Definitely seemed underseasoned. The farro salad, however, was really nice. The textures worked well together and the cheese added some punch.

Eventually the entrees came. The steak frites were decent. I mean, steak frites is not rocket science, but still, I have had much better. The rabbit tortelli was really, really dry though. I enjoyed the flavors though, but commented to my husband that it was unfortunate how dry it was. I thought the rabbit must be overcooked. My husband tasted it and readily agreed. He suggested I send it back. Given all the raves I had heard, and how bone dry it tasted, I figured it was better to eat one made the way it should be. So I explained the situation to the server, and she asked if I wanted something else. I told her it just tasted really dry and like the rabbit was probably overdone, so I'd still like to have it.

Fraiche has an open kitchen, so I could see our server talking to the chef. Immediately, I saw his expression. It was clear he thought I was full of sh--. I assumed though, that he would remake it all the same. Wrong. Our server came over and said the chef said the dish was prepared properly, and that was how it should taste. She said he thought I should just get something else.

I was insulted and thought the restaurant's response was not what it should be. It's all in how you handle it. I have had rabbit many times, and am a pasta fanatic, so I found it hard to believe anyone would say the tortelli was properly prepared. But putting that aside, had they just said, I'm sorry -what else can I get for you? It would have been very different. Instead, the chef challenged me, telling me my opinion was wrong. Terrible approach.

Both my husband and I finished his dish, paid the bill (which just so happened to include the dessert wine and dessert of a neighboring table), and split. I won't return.

http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/