The second establishment of American Gonzo Food Corporation’s East Borough (9810 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; 310.596.8266) opens its doors in Culver City for lunch (11 am-3 pm, daily) this Thursday, with dinner soon to follow. The “Fraîche Vietnamese” restaurant is the first collabo for Paul Hibler, owner and creator of Pitfire Artisan Pizza and Superba Snack Bar, Jason Neroni, executive chef of Superba Snack Bar, and John Cao and Chef Chloe Tran, two entrepreneurs who love design and high-quality Vietnamese eats. Hibler, who is known for building sustainable and successful restaurant concepts, developed the community atmosphere with Tran, who studied interior design and worked at Hatch Design Group, a leading hospitality design firm.
The neighborhood spot will eventually be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Highlights from the dinner menu include Bao Buns with nuoc cham glazed pork belly and pickled mustard greens; Crispy Daikon Cakes with samkbal and hoisin aioli; Daily Oysters and King Crab with Thai basil, birds eye mignonette, and calamansi mayo; Head on Blue Shrimp with pomelo and crab paste butter served with ginger rice; Pork Shank with crab paste, lettuce cups, pickles, and multiple condiments; and Phocatini with oxtail, hoisin, sambal, white onion, and cilantro. Cocktails, white wine, and rosé are available, as well as American craft and Belgian beers. Dinner will be served Sunday – Wednesday, 5:30-10 pm and Thursday – Saturday, 5:30-11 pm
