Last Friday I was graciously invited to check out Ford's Filling Station's kick-off of their new "Ford's Play" snacktime menu. Billed as being "not quite lunch, not quite dinner" the comfy Culver City eatery has introduced a late afternoon menu boasting small bites and discount drinks. This Happy Hour-esque array of tasty offerings is available from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and certainly does take the edge off those late-in-the-daytime munchies with a lot of class and flair.

I was able to get some tastes from a sampling of the items on the special menu, including a nibble of the Tuna Confit served in oil with thyme and lemon ($8), the Smoked Deviled Eggs ($5, pictured), Ceviche with flowering coriander and smoked peppers ($8, pictured), Tomato bread with white bean salad ($6), and the Duck Taquitos with guacamole ($7, pictured).

My favorites of this bunch would have to be the ceviche, which was light and tangy and got scooped up nicely on the fresh corn chips, as well as the duck taquito, although the complexity of the duck taste wasn't as stand-out as it typically is when encased in the crispy fried goodness of the taquito shell and paired with a savory dollop of guac. However, my very favorite was a dish that came to the table in the hands of Chef Benjamin Ford himself (yes, son of that guy) with the endorsement that it was his favorite, but not on the lineup just yet--"Coming soon!" we were assured. Oh, and how rightfully it should be! It was an incredible crudo of fluke drizzled with oil and garnished with fresh herbs that met my mouth like a bite of softly melting velvet--not too fishy or oily, but just the right sense of the fluke's delicate flesh (pictured). All these tempting bites were paired with a bright and refreshing bottle of ale; wine and beer selections that accompany these menu choices go for an agreeable $3.
It was nice to dine on the patio, too, and to soak up the hustle and bustle of Culver City while taking a load off. I don't get down to that part of town very often, but made note of several new (or newish) eateries that I'd like to get back there to check out. Of course, knowing that I can nab an affordable "snack" at Ford's Filling Station might force my hand in the loyalty game--what can I say, I'm a sucker for the fluke.

Ford's Filling Station
9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City
(310) 202-1470