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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
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
09/24/2008 Posted by urbanista
We used a birthday for an excuse to splurge at Frasca, after having admired the menu and atmosphere from the sidewalk a dozen times. My boyfriend and I were formerly employed at a James Beard Award-Winning Chef-owned restaurant before relocating to Denver two years ago. However we dine for pleasure not critique and were thoroughly looking forward to a night at the Boulder namesake. I made the reservation a month in advance. When we arrived, the dining room just completed the first turn. We were seated at a tiny two top along the wall, next to an anniversary table who arrived only moments earlier. To two old pros, we immediately thought "why us?" We cringed at the thought of spending our evening at this locale, but couldn't fathom asking if we could change to one of the other open twos in the middle of the dining room. Moments later we were flanked by yet another anniversary couple, and reluctantly accepted our fate. Upon ordering some bubbly, we were <gasp> ID'ed in the dining room! We understand it's Boulder and a college town, but if you knew our true ages you would agree it was out of line. And of course neither couple on either side was asked the same. It showed youth and inconsistency on both the part of the server and the policy of the restaurant. The best experience of the evening came before we even ordered our meal. The Sommelier's wine recommendation for a bottle under $100 was incredible - both in approach and later in taste. For this reason alone our review gets 3 stars. The pace was somewhat hurried, the food memorable but not remarkable, and our dessert order got mixed up. In the end, there was no mention of the birthday and our check was dropped before we could order coffee. Overall, the service was acceptable but we left feeling unimpressed. Next time we'll drop in without a reservation for seats at the bar. And until then, we'll remain loyal to our favorite place in Denver, Il Posto, on 17th Ave.
09/09/2008 Posted by milehigheater
We had dinner at Frasca and as its chef had recently won a James Beard award we had very high expectations and for the most part it met them. The food is incredible and very well cooked and thought out and from the fried stuffed squash blossoms to the Potato Gnocci with fresh sweet corn every course just seemed to burst with flavor. The staff gives you a nice warm welcome when you come in and makes you feel welcome. The only down side of Frasca in my opinion is the closeness of the tables which are packed in very tightly and you really can’t get away from hearing everything your neighbors are talking about be it good bad or ugly. If interested in pictures and a full course by course meal description feel free to visit our blog at www.milehigheater.blogspot.c o m
Pros: Wonderful food
Cons: close quarters
