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David Fricaud

@davidfricaud

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Executive Chef | @oceanasantamonica
@lamonique.la 🇫🇷🌊
top chef France 2010
French roots • California soul
Fine dining, real chef life

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Chef @davidfricaud of @lamonique.la shares his best restaurants in LA

Best restaurant: @somnirestaurant
Best pizza: @damichelela
Best coffee shop / bakery: @pitchounbakery
Best cocktail spot / bar: @loulousantamonica
Best beach eat: @bar.coucou
Best burger: @thebenjaminhollywood
Best breakfast / brunch: @republiquerestaurantla
Spot you want to try: @providencela by @davidfricaud

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12 days ago

9 years in the USA.

Nine years ago, I left France with a suitcase full of knives, a lot of ambition, and no idea where the journey would take me.

Since then, there have been long days, sleepless nights, successes, failures, incredible teams, new friendships, and countless services. From Michelin-starred kitchens to Las Vegas, and now Santa Monica, every step has shaped the chef—and the person—I am today.

America gave me opportunities, challenges, and memories I never could have imagined. The road hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Still learning. Still growing. Still cooking.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this adventure.

🇫🇷 ➡️ 🇺🇸
9 years down. The story continues.

#ChefLife #ExecutiveChef #FrenchChef #HospitalityLife KitchenLife CulinaryJourney #ChefJourney AmericanDream 9YearsInAmerica taken in Los Angeles, California by @davidfricaud

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2 months ago

Paris has quietly arrived in Santa Monica.⁠
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La Monique, the intimate new French brasserie tucked inside Hotel Oceana, is already buzzing with candlelit glamour, mirrored ceilings, velvet banquettes, and a dining room that feels plucked straight from the Left Bank. Helmed by Top Chef France semifinalist David Fricaud, the menu leans classic with confident twists, think escargot croquettes, seafood towers, wagyu steaks, and house-baked baguettes worth the trip alone.⁠
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Reservations are scarce, the cocktails are polished, and the crowd is very camera-ready. ⁠
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Tap the link in our bio to step inside Santa Monica’s most Parisian new dining room with @michele.mcphee. by @davidfricaud

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7 months ago

Being a chef today goes far beyond the kitchen. We’re managing costs, running social media, and building client relationships. The landscape has changed—and it’s time to ride the wave.
#cheflife #happychef #kitchenlife #losangeles Now our role, is not just to cook, create, or taste! We need to manage, cost, social medial, client relations….
Yes the world change and you need to follow the wave 🌊 taken in La Monique by @davidfricaud

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5 hours ago

The best part of the day is when the first tickets start coming in. The prep is done, the team is ready, and now it’s time to cook. See you tonight at La Monique.

#ChefLife #LaMonique #SantaMonica #DinnerTime #FineDining Hospitality FrenchCooking KitchenLife taken in Santa Monica, California by @davidfricaud

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a day ago

Yesterday evening was a special one fam. I hope y’all make your reservations soon. Walk-ins at the bar welcomed. The room is unmatched & the food is absolutely incredible.

MUSIQUE AT MONIQUE
WEDNESDAYS | 7PM taken in La Monique by @davidfricaud

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2 days ago

Dinner @lamonique.la by chef @davidfricaud

Escargot Poppers ~ Garlic Herb Crème Fraîche

Steak Frites Au Poivre ~ Grilled Wagyu Flat Iron, Sauce Au Poivre

Dubai Pavlova Sundae ~ Dubai Chocolate, Chantilly, Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream by @davidfricaud

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3 days ago

Perfect day off..
the sea breeze caressing my cheek
#dayoff #americanflag #marina taken in Marina del Rey, California by @davidfricaud

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3 days ago

Tomorrow, we launch our new menu at La Monique.

Today is my favorite kind of chaos.
The deliveries arrive. Every product is finally here. The kitchen slowly fills with the smell of herbs, stocks, butter, and the sound of knives on cutting boards.
This is where it all begins.
One more night of prep, tasting, adjusting, and making sure every plate is ready for tomorrow’s first guest.
It’s always stressful… but this is the part I love the most.
See you tomorrow. 🍽️

— Chef David

#LaMonique #ChefLife #NewMenu #SantaMonica #FineDining BehindTheScenes KitchenJournal FrenchCuisine taken in La Monique by @davidfricaud

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5 days ago

As an Executive Chef, one of the things that makes me the proudest is seeing my team grow and express their talent.

This weekend’s special was created by my Executive Sous Chef, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Beautiful execution, great flavors, and a dish that perfectly represents what we strive for every day at La Monique.

A restaurant is never about one chef—it’s about a team that pushes each other to become better. Proud of what we’ve built together. 👏

Congratulations, Chef. Looking forward to many more creations.

#ChefLife #ExecutiveChef #LaMonique #SantaMonica #FineDining taken in Santa Monica, California by @davidfricaud

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6 days ago

Happy National Caviar Day.

For me, caviar is more than luxury. It’s about balance, precision, and letting an exceptional ingredient speak for itself.

Every bite should be elegant, memorable, and never overcomplicated.

Today, we celebrate one of the finest products in the culinary world.

Happy National Caviar Day. 🖤

#NationalCaviarDay #Caviar #FineDining #ChefLife #LaMonique SantaMonica taken in La Monique by @davidfricaud

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7 days ago

The clock never stops in a kitchen.
Service, prep, deliveries, meetings, calls… time is never really yours.

So when I get a few quiet minutes, you’ll probably find me sitting in a corner of the kitchen with a bowl in my hands.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. Sometimes that’s the only break of the day.

Every chef knows this moment. 🍽️👨‍🍳

#cheflife #executivechef #kitchenlife #behindthescenes #hospitality finedining restaurantlife cheflifestyle cookwithpassion realchef santamonica lamonique taken in Los Angeles, California by @davidfricaud

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8 days ago