Sistahs!

My sister came to visit me this past weekend. Even though I don't think we look much alike, I know we are related because of two things. First, even my mom sometimes can't tell us apart on the phone because our voices sound so similar. (Though with the advent of caller ID, we now seldom have the opportunity to play tricks on her anymore...) And second, we are both helplessly addicted to food. We love talking about it, eating it, making it, shopping for it, and dreaming about it. We talk about restaurants, ethnic cuisine, cooking at home, kitchen appliances, farmers markets. We travel all over the world just for food. And whenever we're together, the first thing we plan is our meals.

She is a long time fan of Sushi Den, so that was definitely on our itinerary. We had some incredible toro (of course) and other great sushi while seated at a two-top next to the window. We also had a tasty and spicy brunch at Lola, where they had just rolled out a new menu. The breakfast tacos, though not particularly authentic, were to die for. The weather was not particularly good this weekend, so we stayed home and made a cozy, hearty split pea soup with ham for one of our meals. Then we made homemade strawberry ice cream so that I could convince her that she needed her own ice cream maker for when we go to her place for Thanksgiving. (I'm dreaming of all the possible ice cream flavors already...)

It would have been a shame for her to visit without taking her to Frasca, but I had tried to get reservations without any luck. We hiked Mt. Sanitas one afternoon, trying to work off the buttery fatty tuna we had previously consumed, and while we were in Boulder, we decided to take our chances finding a walk-in spot. Not having planned ahead, we weren't quite dressed for dinner at such a fine establishment, but a quick trip to Ann Taylor Loft and the mall restrooms remedied the situation - so fun! We walked into Frasca, expecting to be seated at the bar, but were instead informed of a late cancellation - a table was available! We were seated next to the Salumi Bar - a prime location for watching the preparation of beautiful plates of cured meats and lovely, mouthwatering desserts. We immediately noticed the beautiful pear tart that sat unassumingly just a yard away, tantalizing us all through the meal.

We ordered the Livio Felluga Tocai Friulano 2006, a bottle recommended by the sommelier. Though my sister, Mr. M, and I all have different taste in wine, this bottle was a crowd-pleaser. We all loved it - it was spicy, apple-y, and big but balanced. Yum. We enjoyed the frico caldo, then each ordered an appetizer. We split all three - the creamy polenta with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill; the montasio cheese flan with salsa verde and escolar conserva; and ricotta and sage ravioli with sweet corn and brown butter. All were quite good, but the ravioli was the hands-down favorite.

For our entrees, we did the same thing, sharing all three. We had the Parmesan risotto with rabbit and corn, the roasted leg of lamb, and the sliced pork leg with fingerling potatoes, onions, and pears. To drink, we had the Renato Ratti 2005 Barbera, quite good as well. Again, all the entrees were good, with the favorite being the sliced pork leg - a variation on the same dish I had at my last visit, with pears instead of peaches. We recommended it to the couple sitting next to us, and both of them ordered it (though we left before their entrees came - I hope they enjoyed it too!)

Our dinner ended with a slice of the perfect poached pear frangipane tart with vanilla frozen yogurt and a dusting of white chocolate. Incredibly good. The frozen yogurt was a great accompaniment, its tang complementing the sweetness just right. A couple seated at the salumi bar asked for our impression, and we gave it rave reviews. Hope they enjoyed it too.

Frasca approaches what is for me the perfect restaurant. The service is impeccable and a perfect balance between casualness and professionalism. The atmosphere is understated classy - it feels like a special meal, but it's also a place where you can chat with those seated near you and ask what's good. The wine I've had there is consistently fantastic (though I don't really have the budget to explore the breadth of the wine list). And the food. Well, that goes without saying.

I am still thinking of that meal and will continue to for a long time - not only tof he great food and wine, but also the experience of sharing it with two of the people I love most in this world. There's nothing that can match that in my book.

My sister's coming back to town for Christmas - do you think they're taking reservations for December yet?