La Fette

Is this place closed? I think I just ate here a month or so ago…
But anyway. We went to this place b/​c its close by and they have some specials usually (entrée +½ bottle of wine) and its quaint french bistro appearance comes across as «cute» to some people…
Ambiance was crappy. Please people… small does not always equal cute
Food was just ok, dissappointing since most entrees are $ 25+ I personally thought Brasserie Jo was better (no offense to B. J… I like Brasserie Jo) Tried the lamb, salmon special and skate wing.
Total Wierdness:
–I think we went on a Sunday night, and there was one lady there who was the Host, the waitress, the bartender, the barista, the busboy, (and possibly the cook for all I know) for the entire freaking restaurant…
–So I was confused… obviously serviced sucked big time but at the same time she was probably in my best estimate a rockstar for doing the job of what should have been 8 people’s worth…
–Heyyyy now that I think about it, this place may have closed down shortly after if their definition of a good business strategy was to reduce the # of employees by 90%!
–The bathrooms are pretty dang nice, I thought
–Honestly, and I kid you not, I had the best cup of coffee IN MY LIFE here, go figure. I honestly don’t know what they served because I didn’t bother to ask… and I think it was actually an americano, but man it was rich and smooth and creamy… totally spectacular
Great…now I have to go freeze my @$$ off to figure out if this place is even open just so I can get a cup of that coffee again.

The appetizer selection is very weak here, but the entrees make up for it. One of the only places I’ve actually seen skate listed! The deserts were good as well, although the molten chocolate cake wasn’t nearly as good as I had hoped, it was just OK. The atmosphere is kind of bland, but damn, that is a nice bathroom!

We get there and behind the counter there’s a guy in sweatpants who I believe was the manager. He brings us a 1L bottle of San Pellegrino after my husband specifically said he wanted the small one since I don’t drink sparkling water. When asked about the big bottle versus the small bottle, the grunge manager spits out in a very unpolite way «Naah, just drink whatever you want, I’ll drink the rest. I’ll pay for it… it’s only 5 bucks». After that we had dinner which was good but gave NO TIP.

Good Food and Service, a lil pricey but! is worth it! I love the Game they have just delicious.

Three words describe our very enjoyable experience at La Fette — Quaint, Innovative, and Delicious! For appetizers: the Salmon Bruchette was marvelous and the French Onion soup had a distinctive sweet onion flavor in a hearty dark brown broth. Main Courses: Rack of Lamb was cooked med. rare to perfection with finger-​lickin fabulous port reduction sauce; while the Lobster Rockefeller herbal crust was a unique and tasty twist for lobster tails. Desert: Crêpe Suzette was to die for; and Dutch Pear Pie was also worthy. As for Service, could not have been any more attentive, helpful and cheerful. Highly Recommended!

La Fette is a thoroughly charming restaurant! The space is rather small, but this contributes to the cozy, romantic atmosphere.
There is an excellent wine list with delicious varieties that won’t break the budget (and of course others that would be an extravagant splurge).
The appetizer, soup and salad selections are somewhat limited (usually 2 or 3 choices in each category), but are fesh and innovative. I also like the pricing — each item in each category is a blanket price for the first item, with correspondingly lower prices for each additional selection.
The entrée selections are a great blend of French and American influences with quite a few surprises. In addition more traditional choices, you are likely to find duck, goose, elk or venison. I am personally fond of the Peach Skate Wing (I crave it and always order it, merely sneaking a taste or two of my companion’s selection). Skate wing is a fairly rare find and La Fette’s preparation is exquisite! Might you possibly draw the conclusion that I ADORE the Skate Wing? Well, it’s true! I never share and any attempts to encroach upon my Skate Wing usually end with a forceful stab from my fork!!!
The dessert selections change often, but are always marvelous! Of particular note are their homemade sorbets which provide a light, healthy but flavor-​packed finale to a superb meal. Desserts also follow the same price schedule as the appetizers and such.
I find the service to be remarkable — warm, friendly andknowledgeable, not in the least pushy or pretentious. The owner (who I believe is also the chef (is always on hand as well and frequently follows up with each of this customers. The care and attention he lavishes on his restaurant is
apparent throughout.
As an Andersonville resident, I definitely feel that La Fette is undoubtedly worth the trip to Old Town. There are many fine restaurants in that neighborhood, but La Fette definitely is a stand-​out! Please give it a try!