L’ASSIETTE STEAK FRITES
FRENCH STEAK & FRIES COME TO MELROSE AVE

There’s something so very comforting about steak and fries; it’s almost an American staple. But when the French do it, and do it well, boy does it go up a notch in damn goodness. Lucky for us, restaurateur Jacques Fiorentino recently opened L’Assiette Steak Frites on trendy Melrose Avenue where the special of the house is simple but so satisfying.

According to the powers that be, L’Assiette is an authentic brasserie experience where Francophiles and steak enthusiasts can experience the most iconic dish of France—steak frites. In keeping with European tradition, L’Assiette utilizes the Coulotte Steak, a rarity in North American steakhouses, which maintains its tenderness and rich flavor during the 4-hour sous vide process without relying on a large amount of marbling. Served in two piping hot portions, the steak is quickly seared to form an outer crust and paired with L’Assiette’s 24-hour beef tallow pommes frites and owner’s secret sauce recipe.

Fiorentino serves high quality prime Nebraska beef, Coulotte cut, which is prepared sous-vide (a method of cooking food sealed in airtight plastic bags in a water bath or in a temperature-controlled steam environment for longer than normal). And his pommes frites are hand cut from fine Kennebec potatoes, prepared through an 8-step, 24-hour process, and cooked in beef tallow (a peanut oil version is available upon request). Let’s just say this are fantastic fries.

If you’re a meat lover, ordering is pretty easy as we found out during our recent visit for dinner. You have your choice of sorrel soup or house salad to start and for $25 at dinner you get the Steak Frites served with special house sauce, presented in two servings. I love the two serving aspect as it feels like you’re getting more food. And we’re not talking two skimpy portions either, so when they pile on the additional steak frites, it almost feels like getting seconds at home.

For an additional price, you can order Black Truffle Shavings Sauce, or Rossini (black truffle shavings and Foie Gras). Sure, they each sound decadently delicious, but I say save your cash and just ordered as is—you won’t be disappointed. Non meat-eaters can choose between the Fish of the Day, or marinated and grilled Portobello mushrooms.

A late night menu is available starting at 9:30pm weeknights and 10:30pm on Friday. The regular dinner menu is always available until closing. A real treat if you're eating late night is the Poutine, which is a generous helping of frites, with steak, cheese and special sauce on top. This is one of the better Poutines I've found around town, especially so because the fries (frites) and steak are of top quality. This is a great late night treat and a pretty decadent meal all its own.

I always say trust the French when it comes to wine, and steak frites, and at L’Assiette Steak Frites their name says it all—minus the wine, but they have some great vino by the glass or bottle. Either way, you’ll be eating simple yet savory French fare that will really satisfy.

L’Assiette Steak Frites is located at 7166 Melrose Avenue. Open daily for dinner from 5:30pm to midnight; Lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Call 323-274-2319.

Photography Courtesy of: L’Assiette Steak Frites

Story by Jose Martinez