From Southtown With Love

La Frite is a favorite restaurant of mine in Southtown because of the fantastic food, delightful service, and charming bistro atmosphere. I am honored to present the mother and son team that created this classic dining space, Icy, and Miles Donnelly.

Happy Critic: What is the story behind La Frite, and what inspired you to become restaurant owners?

Miles: Back in 2008, when we were figuring out what I would do with my life, I worked here as a server for Damien Watel when he owned this little jewel. My dad had just become sick and was not able to work anymore. Was I supposed to go to professional school? What do I do? At that moment, the restaurant came up for sale. I was excited about La Frtie possibly becoming our family business. I approached my parents, and we started discussing buying the restaurant to provide for our family. That "moment" turned into our new adventure that included the food and people we love.

Happy Critic: What is it like as a mother and son team?

Miles: It's phenomenal! We like being part of a family unit. Our family loves happiness in the kitchen, which is how my brother Rick and I grew up. I love supporting my family and doing this together.

Happy Critic: What makes La Frite so great?

Miles: Honestly, it is us; we love each other and get along great. Our interaction and respect for each other, our staff, and our guests are critical. Everyone here is such an essential part of our success. Our Executive Chef, dishwasher, and prep people have been here for the 15 years we have been open. We are family.

Happy Critic: Tell me about your food from heaven menu.

Icy: We get our food fresh from vendors every day. We don't have freezer space; we cook the food when we get it. Steak a

Poive with green peppercorn sauce is so tasty. I think it is a meal you eat that you will never forget. We added the spectacular mussels in the worldly sauces served with frites, which have become our signature dishes. There is a person for every mussel sauce on the menu. There is a customer for every item on the menu, and we did not change it at all; we just added to it. We added daily specials, the shrimp risotto, curry lamb shank, and rabbit, which became La Frite favorites.

Happy Critic: I am sure everyone will agree with me.....the secret ingredient to La Frite's success is LOVE!

728 S, Alamo in Southtown | 210224-7555 | 11:30 -2 pm TuesdayFriday | 6-10 pm TuesdaySaturday Dinner Wine Beer & Bubbles | Reservations and Walkins Welcome - LaFriteSA.com

FANTASTIC FOODIE FINDS

Here are some appreciative words written by our Happy Critic Cheerleaders about their favorite local finds.

PHARM TABLE

Pharm Table is one of the best restaurants I have been to for plant-based meals that serve to heal the body, warm the soul, and with the added secret ingredient, LOVE, you can't go wrong.

That, coupled with exceptional; service, makes this a go-to stop for dining. The lovely outside patio and the interior of this restaurant have a fresh, clean feel. The food at Pharm Table is plant-based, with the option to add meat. They have created antiinflammatory dishes by removing wheat, dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods. Still, they have added spices from all over the globe, which provide a culinary explosion of delight in your mouth! I adore their Signature Dish, Detoxing Kitchari, with curried lentils and seasonal greens. I always add avocado because everything tastes better with avocado. Even Chocolate Mousse!Ask for Chef Elizabeth and let her know the Happy Critic sent you!

BAR LORETTA IS THE BOMB!

As I said, Bar Loretta is the bomb! The owner Roger Herr continues to provide superb food, top-notch bartenders, and servers. Each time I have had a wonderful experience. As soon as my head pops in, the staff is friendly and welcoming. And I appreciate the extra care. Every time I walk through the doors, I see familiar faces of friends enjoying themselves, and I like that!!! The menu is simple and bright, and I like that too!

So take my advice and get there as fast as you can!