In Italy’s Friuli region the frasca is an informal gathering place for local farmers and the like to share a meal and a bottle of wine. This concept is the inspiration for Frasca restaurant, the creation of former French Laundry mates, Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and wine expert Bobby Stuckey. Situated in what was once a downtown grocery store, the dining room is routinely referred to as elegantly rustic—crisp white table linens, riedel stemware, and zero pretense. While oenophiles are wowed by the hefty 36-page wine list, foodie-types are equally impressed with a starter of a deftly created pancake of “secret” cheese, potato and onion, and a primi of veal and fontina ravioli. Then, there’s the famed secondi, “21 Orders”, celestially invoked hand-shaped pastas swathed in local farmer’s market-fresh ingredients. There are only 21 orders for the evening so it’s best to get there early (and often)!