Frasca
Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 442-6966
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- 18th Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Frasca – by Lori Midson
The Scene
Droves flock to nosh on Chef Lachlan MacKinnon-Patterson's phenomenal fare. The streamlined space, appointed with hardwoods, white linens, stunning glass-encased wine wall and earthy colors, complements Patterson's simple, seamless and seasonal menu, which changes nightly. There's a small, sleek bar for casual dining, a salumi counter and a lavish dessert display table.
The Food
Start with the salumi plate, a medley of cured Italian meats and house-made bread sticks served with a fresh horseradish and creme fraiche "rafano." Other highlights include the scallop tartare, aromatic with ginger and lime, haloed with braised endive leaves, and the pesto-dressed Bibb lettuce salad. Main dishes feature griddled potato gnocchi awash in a rich brown-butter sauce and a savory stew with a flavorful pork and lamb meatball. Frasca's wine list is a 37-page encyclopedia of global grapes, all of which are handpicked by master sommelier and French Laundry alum Bobby Stuckey.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoReservations are absolutely essential, but if you want to gamble, try snagging a seat at the small front bar or salumi counter.
What to DrinkWith a 37-page wine roster, the libation of choice is obvious, but if wine doesn't wow you, try a pour of grappa.
Save MoneyThe Monday prix-fixe dinner, consisting of three courses, is a deal at $29 per person.
User Reviews for Frasca
06/04/2008 Posted by boulderr
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and we were disappointed for a number of reasons. First off, very cramped tables -- we felt like we were having dinner with everyone around us. One couple even asked to switch tables because it felt like we were on top of each other. I know the space is small, but we've eaten in plenty of other small restaurants that managed to make it comfortable. We did the tasting menu and frankly, nothing was really spectacular for the price... it wasn't necessarily bad, just nothing that made you want to come back. The presentation wasn't even all that great. We felt like we were being rushed, when in a restaurant like Frasca you should feel like you have all the time in the world to enjoy dinner. And the kicker -- I had made sure that they knew it was a birthday and to prepare a little dessert with a candle -- they never brought it over and frankly, I shouldn't have to ask after the fact. We thought this place would be comparable to Barolo in Denver, but boy were we wrong. Barolo is an excellent restaurant with beyond excellent staff who really know the menu/wines and make the whole experience a great one. Not to mention the food there is amazing...would recommend the drive from Boulder, it's worth it.
03/17/2008 Posted by robertdenver
We went to Frasca for a dinner. Our expectation was very high. Our food was insipid (I think the chef didn' t have any salt). The value of our food was very low. Now I will call the food " Fru - Fru' " . I think the people at Frasca are letting the restaurant go. I was there right at the beginning (about 2 years ago) and the food was very different, consistent and with more value. The wine is well priced, but the server did not have personality.
Pros: Wine well priced
Cons: food, service
