Bouchon

Bouchon

Yountville, CA

Chef: Thomas Keller

1 Michelin star

Wine spectator award of excellence

An interview with "Ask Men", Thomas Keller had joked that he opened Bouchon so that he would have someplace to eat after finishing dinner service at  French Laundry.  Bouchon is a more casual setting offering a more traditional downscale French bistro fare. 

We came here with some family friends as they were staying in the area.  This is one of Keller's establishment that we don't mind going back for repeats. 

Reservation for a table of 6 was made in advance for 8:45pm, however we still ended up waiting for an additional 45 mins before we were seated. 

These cookies were displayed at the entrance.  I was shocked to see the price tag of the French Laundry shortbread cookies.  We got them as a parting gift along with the mignardises boxed up when we dined at French Laundry. 

We walked into a Parisian bustling bistro in Yountville.   The dining room is decorated in sleek shades of grey, beige and maroon, along with shiny brass fixtures.  

~

The waiting area was tiny and tight.  While we were waiting, we went across the street to Bottega a drink and then came back and found these blank orange cards and a letterpress stamp at the entrance table for us to play with.

~

This parchment paper menu unfolds to reveal all the french classic dishes at the restaurant.

~

Bouchon Bakery’s legendary Épi Baguette

~

~

Terrine de Foie Gras de Canard

served with toasted baguette

A little bit on the expensive side for this 5oz jar, but it was smooth and creamy, definitely one of the best terrine we had in the area. 

~

Moëlle Rôtie

roasted bone marrow with garlic, parseley, 

shallots, sherry vinegar & grilled pain de campagne

~

Blanquette de Ris de Veau

crispy swetbreads with pearl onion, french round carrots, celery batons, lines herbes & sauce blanquette

~

Coquilles St. Jacques au Cidre

pan-seared day boat scallps with aple pain perdu, confit of pumpkin, caramelized salsify, apples & cider emulsion

Steak Frites

pan-seared prime flatiron, caramelized shallots & maître d'hôtel butter served with French fries

This was an ordinary French bistro dish which was executed well but nothing earthshaking about it. 

~

Quenelles de Brochet au Homard

poached pike with Maine lobster, wilted spinach, fennel bulb & lobster cream

~

Marquise au Chocolat

dark chocolate mousse

with burnt orange cream

This was excellent.  The mousse was smooth and rich and I love the combination of dark chocolate with orange.  Every single bite is like a separate piece of truffle. 

~

Pot de Crème

infused custard

It has always been a pleasure to dine at Bouchon. The dishes at Bouchon are great but not earth-shattering. It is simple, but not mundane.  It is just made well. Service was attentive and knowledgeable.  

If you can't dine at  French Laundry  for any reason, Bouchon is a fabulous and much cheaper alternative. 

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Presentation: ★★★★☆