Ford's Filling Station

You know how you find a place and want to back again and again because there's always something new - and it's always good? Well, I found my place in LA...and here are my thoughts. I was in LA for 10 days - 5 of us ate at fords the second night. Came back for lunch 3 times - yes - I made the drive all the way from Hollywood - it was my comfort spot in this beautiful little neighborhood. Jamon Serrano, Hot Sopressata, and Mortadella - little olives - ate the plate clean - delicious! Also tried this new dish they recommended called Sturgeon Confit with smoked tomatoes and olive and leek compote on a crostini - yikes it was incredible!! I was skeptical but it was major delicious. 4 Cheese Pizza on flatbread - light and savory! Kusshi Oysters - small and succulent - (usually I get tough big ones in other restaurants) great! Roasted Beet Salad - my mother used to force to eat beets - so this is the first time since a kid to eat them on a dare at the table - I loved them!!! (in shock) Buttermilk Fried Chicken - I am from the south so I wondered about this one but decided to try because our server recommended it - but it was crispy and boneless - on top of great potatoes and succotash .... I have died and gone to heaven! Polenta Cake - wow - I had no idea polenta could be so delicious. Fish and Chips - Every bite was perfect! We also tried the Shrimp Curry - as a curry aficionado I have to admit this is really good - the bacon on top and the toppings on the side make it perfect. And something that brought me back for lunch 3 more times ( I am now addicted) - the Pulled Pork Panini! Unbelievable! I hated to see the last bite go. For dessert we had dark chocolate Tobblerone ice cream. Silky and rich!!! Also had the banana split - we all devoured it too...with three scoops of all the Toblerone flavors in it. Yummy and big! And one more thing - they make fresh lemonade there - couldn't resist! I am so crazy about this restaurant. It feels so good and comfortable.

My fiance and I went here last night for the first time. I can't say enough good things about it. I had the flat iron steak. It was cooked to perfection. Fiance had the special, sturgeon, which was amazing. It was presented on mashed potatoes that had been whipped up with sturgeon. The food was impeccable. Everything was so intentional and well-matched. The service was good. Laid-back and not too pushy. I was very impressed and the place was worth every penny.

Usually on everyone's list to try, Father's Office has become a nuisance to go to. The microbrews and the much ballyhooed burger is worthy of accolades, the wait and the seating is just about unbearable. A friend and I decided to try out Ford's Filling Station. Although they don't have any microbrews to speak of, they do have decent beers on tap. We ordered the burger...pretty darn good and much heartier than FO. The place was fairly packed on Saturday night, but we were able to get a seat at the bar within minutes and a table in less than 30 minutes. Overall, pretty decent. However, take note that a new FO is suppose to open in Culver City in 08.

Last week, my husband & I went to Fords for a special lecture/dinner entitled, What the hell is a Gastropub? The evening featured true gastropub dishes (too many to list here!) & special guest, Peter Bouckaert, brewmaster of New Belgium Brewery. Each of our chosen courses was paired w/ a New Belgium brew. Once we ordered, Ford began his lecture, which was informative, thought provoking, informal & fun. The food was impeccable (as it has been every time we have eaten at Fords). We started w/ Chilled Marinated Leeks & Smoked Trout Brandade. Both were beyond delicious. My leeks were marinated in a vinaigrette made from New Belgiums La Folie beer; the taste was epic. My husband swore he wanted to eat the Smoked Trout Brandade everyday for the rest of his life. For entrees, we ordered Shoremans Pie w/ crab, clams, leeks, sweet peas & truffle potato + vegetarian polenta w/ frise & herb mascarpone (this wasnt on the menu but was kindly prepared for me). Our entrees were stellar. The mascarpone was to die for & my husband thoroughly enjoyed the Shoremans Pie, an unconventional take on a classic dish. For dessert, we ordered Ricotta w/ Chestnut Honey. Totally amazing. All of the paired beers definitely complimented the food. We thought the idea & actualization was adventurous & perfectly appropriate. Overall, the evening was immensely enjoyable + a good deal on all of the food & beer we were served. Fords enthusiasm & commitment to his beliefs were palpable, both in his speech, as well as in the food. Yes, the proof is in the pudding. Nowhere else can you find a chef so dedicated to creating a restaurant with a welcoming vibe, community spirit & unpretentious atmosphere that serves innovative comfort food using the freshest seasonal ingredients & truly pushes boundaries. Well definitely be back for the upcoming lectures/dinners, as well as whenever we want our mouths & minds challenged, enlightened & satisfied by one of the best restaurants/chefs in town.

We went for lunch and arrived wet (it was raining) and bedraggled. The hostess took one look at my droopy 10 year old and led us to the totally empty patio. I got the message and protested. She told me the main room was only for reservations, but when I told her that unless we occupied one of the empty tables in the warmer area we were leaving, she gave us a table (but not after banging the menus onto our table after seating us). My daughter wanted to leave, but I knew the food was great and our waitress was charming, so we stayed and enjoyed the fried clams (which is a huge platter for an appetizer, with a terrific tartar sauce). My kid had the baguette french toast with bacon and strawberries, which was delicious. I finished with one of the biggest cappucinos I've had recently and on our way out spotted the grumpy hostess eating lunch at one of the "reserved" tables. It did put a damper on a rainy but tasty lunch.