December, 2008

Rating: 10 out of 10

Tariff : Dinner for 2

• 1 appetizer salad
• 1 carafe house red wine
• 2 entrees
• 2 desserts
• tip
• $154

Atmosphere

According to their website, Bouchon takes its name from the type of bistro that originated in Lyon in the 19th century--"neighborhood places serving simple, traditional dishes in a home-like atmosphere." Chef Thomas Keller, of The French Laundry fame, decided to create a more casual place to eat, a place that even the local restaurant staff would like and thus Bouchon Restaurant was born.  I would take exception to these descriptions in the strictest sense because Bouchon is not quite so casual; it is a very nice restaurant and not inexpensive (only inexpensive by comparison to French Laundry, which is currently $240 per person!). In the dining area reds and brass and paneled walls with large mirrors are elegant and yet warm. Tables are neatly covered with white cloths and decorated with vases of fresh flowers. Velvet banquettes line the walls, the ledge behind them lined with candles in glasses, giving a warm glow to the restaurant's light. It is a crowded place but not uncomfortably so.  We were seated in the far corner, a perfect vantage point for the entire room--entrance, host station, bar area, and tables. The noise level is high, as one might expect in a bistro, but that didn't in fact detract form a lovely romantic dinner.

 Service

The wait staff is very professional--our waiter, Austin, was no exception--he was very helpful describing menu items, telling us what was popular and what he personally liked.  He was solicitous and friendly congratulating us several times on the celebration of our anniversary.

Food

As a surprise, our waiter brought us two flutes of champagne on the house to toast our anniversary.  We enjoyed those while we perused the menu, which is printed on a facsimile of a small brown paper bag and neatly folded at each place.

The breads brought to our table were an epi loaf and tiny crust rounds accompanied by butter and a white bean paste. We ordered the cuvee buchon (red wine) served in a 500ml decanter and found it very good with a full nose.

We shared a salad, Frisee aux Lardons et Oeuf Poche ($12.50), the best I've ever tasted.  It was so lightly dressed that it was not wet, not  vinegary.  Small chunks of bacon were a deliciously rich garnish when paired with the light airy salad greens.  Te chef acquiesced to cook the egg firmer than called for to my taste, which I appreciated.

 For entrees we had the Gnocchi a la Parisienne ($23.50), soft and tender as cream, then lightly sauteed and mixed with tiny mushrooms and cubes of roasted potato.  This dish was served mounded neatly in a shallow bowl.

The next entree came highly recommended, Gigot d'Agneau, or roasted leg of lamb with flageolet beans and thyme jus.  It was served cooked to order, slices fanned over the white beans.  The meat was very tender and easy to cut similar to a prime rib, but it had a bit of a gamey aftertaste and aroma. The small white beans were surprisingly tasty.

For dessert we had one chocolate mousse and one pot de creme. These were each served in tiny lidded white pots. The mousse was thick and not too sweet. Even though it wasn't dark chocolate as in its name--mousse au chocolat noir-- it was certainly rich. It was paired with three wafer thin fingers of cookie. The pot de creme, served with a butter cookie, was so soft and sweet it was like a perfect cross between a custard and a creme brulee.

Note: Next door is the freestanding Bouchon Bakery, with wonderful breads, decadent pastries and desserts, and coffees to go.  It's a great spot for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or to take home some treats.

Bouchon
6534 Washington Street
Yountville, CA  94599
707-944-8037