This is my 1st BLOG ever so i'm soooooo EXCITED to share this w/ everyone!  So here's the set-up:  After reading a food review in Los Angeles magazine, i was craving  some french/italian foodfare. As luck would have it, Jenn happens to be related to one of the restaurant managers so a few calls were made, and voila!   off we went to Culver City...    
Upon arrival, i was impressed w/ the joyous atmosphere!  Soft spotlights, terra cotta colors, stone walls, and wood-beamed ceilings.   It evokes  a comfy feeling too due to the sunken lounge, plush couches near the bar, & white-linen tables.  Very Euro-rustic (if that's a word) and Modern!

  
me and booboo 
chuck and jenn
Then the barman, Albert hooked us up w/ a Fireshow!!   well, it was a fresh strawberries marinated in botanical herbs and vodka then lit on fire...called Prosecco Fruit-Flambe!   
 
 a toast to the good life... and a very tasty one i must say!
 

as the alcohol was flowing, and the restaurant filled up...my voice grew louder and i got StAr-StRuCk when jenn pointed out Billy Crystal sitting at the table next to us!  hehehhe...
 

that would be him standing under the chalkboard ...
after i got my fill of eavesdropping on their conversation (they were there to celebrate a friend's bday)we ordered our food!  the hardest part...what to choose, what to choose!
the fellas stared w/  Oysters on a 1/2 shell...
 
  i had the Risotto - morel mushrooms applewood smoked bacon, flava beans....  the photo doesn't do it justice!

sooooo  delicious! 
 joe and jenn wisely selected the Monkfish Francaise - spinach, white wine, shallots entree

and chuck choose Steak Frites - seared flat iron steak w/ hand cut fries, compound butter!

....jenn's sister and wife of restaurant manager joined us...despite being in agonizing discomfort
 

of being 8 mos. preggo!!
we had such a great time!!  the only way to top this night off is w/ DESSERT and a belated bday celebration for Booboo!!
 
i failed to take photos of our array of tasty desserts....but consisted of  Almond Praline chantilly cream, sugar toasted topping called Paris-Brest  ...it's the BEST, above the rest!!  

Much Gratitude to the excellent service, enjoyable company, and comp'd dinner!   damn, that's how we roll!  =)