On my birthday a couple of days ago, I had the heavenly experience of dining at Frasca in Boulder, an Italian “neighborhood” restaurant inspired by the farms and fields of Friuli-Venezia in northeast Italy.
We started with appetizers (a selection of house-cured meats and Frico Caldo — described coarsely but aptly as “hash browns on crack” by my dining companion) and ordered the Quattro Piatti (four course meal) with a wine-pairing for each course (1/2 glass each).
While savoring poached halibut, morels, asparagus drizzled with cipollini onion vinaigrette, I described the experience as a “dream come true”. Very fresh food, as much local and house-made as possible. European portions — so we could joyfully eat all the courses. Elegant presentation. Impeccable service.
This was food and wine pairing heaven. For a few years, I’ve enjoyed wines that worked better with certain dishes, meats and flavorings. But, this experience took food and wine pairing to a whole new world. I would love to head back soon for the monday night Tasting Menu.
Here’s a snap of my dessert: House-made chocolates (Valrhona 70% Bittersweet, Coconut, Espresso, Passionfruit-Caramel and Hazelnut Bar) paired with a light, bright dessert wine with hints of orange. (I think it was La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti, Piemonte, Italy 2006.)
In the background (because I’m sure you want to know!) is the Banana and Peanut “Pasta Sfogliata” – House-Made Puff Pastry, Fresh Bananas, Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream and Honey Gelato.
On Frasca’s web site’s News page, you can find several reviews and some of the recipes including the Frico Caldo potato, cheesy goodness.
Spicy Haggis // May 1, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Mmmmmm Frico Caldo. I am going to do a chili cook off with all the Frasca people in June so if anyone has a winning recipe please let me know.
Mixed Greens // May 4, 2008 at 9:30 am
Excellent review. I walk by there every day and have always wondered how it was. Sounds like a great place to celebrate a special occasion (but leave the cut off shorts at home).
And happy birthday, by the way.
Mindy Nies // May 6, 2008 at 12:48 am
Be sure to make reservations a couple of months before you plan to go. This is by far the BEST restaurant in the entire state of Colorado. If you’re not sure which wine to order with your food, just ask them to pair what they think would go best, and they will.
Bacon Is Good // May 6, 2008 at 3:43 pm
The bar seats 5 or 6 and you don’t need reservations — we ate at the bar for my birthday. They also have either 1 or 2 tables they leave open every evening, so if you’re there early-ish you’ll be able to get a seat. But yes, proper dinner reservations need to be booked WAY in advance.