Across town we enjoyed another LA Food Bowl event: Frites Fete at 189 by Dominque Ansel. This focused on something completely different: frites, aka pommes frites are French fries.
The three-course meal began with an endive Caesar salad served with a cloud-like gougere made with gruyere, hints of nutmeg and chili pepper. The entree choices were a choice of moules frites, steak frites or mushrooms. We all wanted the steak, but were curious about the mussels. Fortunately, we were able to order an appetizer serving, which was plenty. This was creamy, rich and as decadent as dessert.
Thinly sliced pieces of rare hanger steak in a house made demi glace was tender and grilled to perfection.
Of course, the frites were meant to be the star of the evening, but were overshadowed by the entrees. Still, the seasoned, crispy yet pliable fries were not the stuff of fast food establishments.
Dessert included a choice of tarte tatin: a puff pastry base topped with caramelized apple, caramelized banana or spiced pear. My favorite was the Fosters-like banana served with a generous dollop of crème fraiche.
In addition to what was served, was how. We had an exceptional server who was attentive, patient and had a good sense of humor – all were appreciated.
Ansel is, perhaps, best known for creating the cronut in New York City years ago. He opened a bakery and 189 in The Grove in Los Angeles in 2017.
189 by Dominque Ansel
The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, Calif.
The Blue Page Special 
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