AIR FOOD IN SANTA MONICA-FRENCH ALL THE WAY INSPIRED BY FASHION, MUSIC AND ART

AIR FOOD IN SANTA MONICA-FRENCH ALL THE WAY

INSPIRED BY FASHION, MUSIC AND ART

Santa Monica (Perfect Meal Today) 2/11/18/–This is a relatively new French restaurant in Santa Monica where the owner, chef and all the kitchen staff are French natives. Located in a prime Santa Monica spot with a lot of foot traffic, the restaurant is currently hampered by the absence of a liquor license. This has obviously affected business in the eight months they have been open, but customers are welcome to bring their own wine without paying any corkage fee. The classically trained chef is Thierry Babet, and he learned his craft in top hotel restaurants in France.

By all accounts the menu can change at the whim of the chef, and on the night I visited this small but comfortable restaurant I started with a couple of starters such as the ‘La Raviole’ and ‘L’Oeuf.’ The first one of course was Porcini Ravioli, served with a 3 mushroom cream that like all the dishes at AIR FOOD was full of flavor. Next up was the Poached organic egg served with Leeks a la Dijonaise and bacon bites that takes you right back to a French bistro anywhere in the South of France.

For a main course I selected ‘La Blanquette’ which came in a bowl and is like a broth with traditional vegetables such as ragout carrots, mushrooms and onions with cream and served with grilled chicken Aguillette and a spectacular pilau rice.

One of the unique things about AIR FOOD is their water selection which currently stands at 55, with a great range all the way of to $55 a bottle. With waters from all over the world to choose from, I went for the Black Water from Canada at $8, full of nutrients, anti- oxidants and minerals but of course completely black. Other countries prominently represented include Argentina, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland. Air Food now serving the finest in beer and wine.

The show stopping USA water represented is Bling from the Old Smokey Mountains, and for $48 a bottle it is served. in Swarovski Crystals. This is a water totally untouched by air, and consequently, completely unpolluted.

Getting back to the food of chef Babet, for Valentine’s Day for example he came up with “Le Veloute,” a delicious sounding velvety Squash Soup with drops of truffle oil. The main course Filet Mignon is topped with home made Foie Gras, and I have been told in no uncertain terms that this particular Foie Gras is one of the finest versions you will ever experience.

The signature dessert here is the Profiterole plate that features four over indulgent goodies filled with vanilla ice cream and candied macadamia and melted white chocolate. This is a restaurant that deserves to succeed, and as soon as the liquor license is in place, I am sure that their wine program will match up to their very delectable food offerings.

Air Food-109 Broadway, Santa Monica, California.

Open-lunch and dinner 6 days. Closed Monday

www.air-food.com

310-319-6262

Street or Mall parking