Lunch in Culver City this Sat?

[BubblyOne]

I'm bringing a friend up with me from Laguna this Saturday to go to the Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd.) and have been reading the Culver City threads trying to find a nice place for lunch before the museum. My original idea was to eat someplace close by so we can enjoy a bottle or 2 of champagne/sparkling and then walk over to the museum. We both like fun, comfy places without major attitude and a good wine list. Would Fraiche be appropriate, despite the evidently rude owner/host? I checked Ford's and the wine list didn't have anything we'd like. Any suggestions really appreciated. If there is anything else reasonably close, that might be OK too.

[Will Owen]

I just had my second very satisfactory lunch this month at Akasha. Took an old friend from Palo Alto who's visiting and he was delighted by the room, ambience, service and food. Happy with the prices, too, since he picked up the tab. Last visit Mrs. O and I each had a salad; this time my friend and I both had pizzas, plus a cup each of the daily soup, everything quite good.

[BD11]

I would also say go to the Beacon, it rarely disappoints. Also, the Fraiche is not bad at all and has some good wines

[wilafur]

i'd say go to fraiche. i've been there 2-3x and have never experienced any rudeness.

[BubblyOne]

Cool, Fraiche it is and Beacon next month with my brother. Thanks guys!

[New Trial]

Fraiche would be a terrific choice. Thierry, who is the owner some complain about (I have never had any problem) is spending his time at the sister restaurant, Riva, in Santa Monica so is a non-issue. The food is great, the service is fine to excellent (depending on who you get), and the wine list/drinks are very good.

[BubblyOne]

Thanks for that info.

[JudiAU]

Beacon is tasty with a good tonkatsu, fusion dishes, and a bento. Perhaps you should just bring the wine with you if you don't see anything on the wine list.

You might as well stop by Surfas while you are at it...

[BubblyOne]

Thanks, but not really into bringing wine unless it's something really special. This place looks interesting.

[ferret]

I've always enjoyed the Beacon. About a half-mile away.

Wine list:

http://www.beacon-la.com/menu-wine.php