A - Frame Scores an A-

Roy Choi's new restaurant in Culver City A - Frame, well I refer to it as, "you know the place by the Kogi truck guy" has churned up a tornado of rave reviews. After last night's dinner, I have to agree. It's fun, trendy and unpretentious. The menu is a wonderfully innovative mix of Asian-fusion and Hawaiian cuisines, but most importantly- the food is fantastic!

The restaurant is housed in an old IHop, keeping the building's integrity, but modernizing it. A beautiful angled roof, blueish lighting and huge funky, white lamps covering the patio, gave it a fresh new vibe. Inside there are large dark wooden tables with decorative metal picnicware. The restaurant exudes a warm casual atmosphere from the decor, to the waitstaff sitting down with us, to sharing a communal table with strangers, bumping elbows occasionally.

Now for the best part: the food...

Unforgettable Hoisin Chili Glazed  Ribs

Succulent, sweet and spicy baby back ribs came to us in a neatly organized stack. The sauce was filled with flavors of fresh ginger, sesame, cloves and hoisin, with a big kick at the end. The meat was crispy at the edges and moist near the bone. PERFECTION...

Rockin' Beer Can Chicken

Next, the popular Beer Can Chicken came, with two sauces on the side and pickled eggs. Apparently, the secret to the chicken's amazingness is the marinade. It was exploding with rich flavors and the skin had an unparalleled crunch. It wasn't even deep-fried! (Just flash-fried...) It was served Peruvian style: crispy, creamy, smokey and spicy.

We also had freshly made 5-grain bread, that came to us in one small brick and would have preferred it sliced. Oh well...

There is a great outdoor patio with heat lamps and a beautiful roaring fire pit. Could be a fun place to grab a mellow drink with friends or co-workers. I hear they have amazing drinks too.

I give an in A- only because I'm not that crazy about sharing a table and having them invade my personal space.