The gorgeous French Chef Ben Bailly calls me his American “Auntie”. If I were 20 years younger (I’m 46) I’d be seriously offended by this, but in all honesty…. I LOVE IT.
I met the 28-year-old chef back in October 2009 at Petrossian in West Hollywood, and at first mistook him for our server. Before eating at the restaurant, I read that Ben had previously worked at various Robuchon kitchens around the world, so I just assumed he was much older.
Well, ever since that first dinner of caviar-stuffed steak tartare and foie gras creme brulée, I have praised, tweeted and done my best to support his craft.
In November, Chef Bailly took over the kitchen at Fraiche restaurant in Culver City and I couldn’t wait to check out his new playground. His new dishes (and creative freedom) made his “Auntie” so very proud indeed!
We started the evening beautifully with this St. Tropez Cocktail, made with Hendricks gin, lime, lavender oil, and a cucumber ice cube
Hamachi Tartare, Shaved Turnip, Lime, Espelette Pepper
Vitello Tonnato: Veal Steak Tartare, Arugula, Parmesan
Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo, Dates, Almonds, Manchego Cheese and Piquillo Vinaigrette
Belgian Endives: Coppa, Apple, Pecans, Goat Cheese, Truffle Vinaigrette
Baby Beets: Mizuna, Ricotta, Orange, Pistachio
Taglierini Neri, Maine Lobster, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil
Bucatini Carbonara, Slow Poached Egg, Pancetta, Parmesan
Soft Polenta with Wild Mushrooms and a Slow Poached Egg
House Made Agnolotti: Wild Mushrooms with Mascarpone and Truffle Butter
Crispy Loup de Mer, Sunchokes Soubise, Crosnes, Salsifi, Mushrooms, Bordelaise
Wine pairing by the charming (and informative) Sommelier Paul Sanginetti
Truffle Burger, Onion Fondue, Boschetto, Truffle Aioli, Egg
Chocolate Coulant with Toffee and Peanut Butter Ice Cream (this just warmed my heart…. THANK YOU BEN!)
After dinner tour: Ben showing me the secret vault below the restaurant!
Secret stash
Many, many more Fraiche photos including behind-the-scenes, wine and smiles!
Dinner shared with Peter and the lovely Kate Green on 12/12/10
Fraiche Restaurant (This restaurant is now closed)
9411 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 839-6800
Website
my last bite... 
He is so talented! And CUTE! I love this post — you are both adorable. 🙂
You are sweet! Thanks!
i was going to comment on how awesome the food looked, but the fact that you’re 46 totally blew my mind. how do you look so young!?
LOL. My counter is filled with Oil of Olay Regenerist products! But honestly, THANK YOU. Happy living for sure.
Love the food, love those pics in the end, gotta love Chef Ben Bailly! Now I will try to sneak into the secret vault in 2011!
I’m thinking SECRET VAULT PARTAY!!!
Mmmmmm.
I really, really need to haul my rear over there. Your pics make me so very hungry!
Those dishes look delicious! I can’t wait to go Fraiche. I’ve heard so many great things about your “nephew” =)
And Jo you could have fooled me. You do NOT look like 46 AT ALL! Keep rockin it ;P
Great post Jo, I’ve been wanting to see Ben at his new digs, and this is all looking pretty delicious. Soon!
Wow. I am drooling at the photos. And now I’m hungry. This will be my next dinner outing once I’ve recovered from all the holiday eating.
Holy cow- everything and everyone (Ben = gorgeous, You in that short skirt = meow!) looks incredible. I can’t wait to go try the “new” Fraiche; long ago it was a favorite but then it just sort of started fading. Glad to see some new energy and talent there, and the dishes….I mean, I can’t even decide what to order, it all looks so good!
Have always loved your positive vibe and blog; Happy 2011 and I look forward to many more posts!
Looks so yummy and fabulous.
I’m kinda turned on
beautiful boy
beautiful food
Yumminess
Great web site, stunning food pictures.