Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Lunch At Bouchon

Chronica Domus
A whimsical presentation of Bouchon's business cards
Photo: Chronica Domus


Nota bene: I had meant to publish this post in mid-April, but it somehow got buried within the other posts I am working on.  I hope you enjoy it.

It was a crisp Saturday morning in the city, dampened by a light mist, and with just enough of a chill to warrant the use of a jacket.  Forgoing the usual Saturday morning routine of stopping by the farmers' market and stocking up on the week's supply of vegetables and fruits, I decided instead that an escape to the country would be the order of the day.  It had been several month since last visiting the Napa Valley so the three of us hopped into the family car and away we drove, across the Golden Gate bridge, and onto pastures green and yellow.

I adore visiting the environs of Napa at any time of year but I especially savor the drive during the early spring months.  To witness firsthand the swathes of vibrant mustard yellow flowers of rapeseed that blanket the landscape as far as the eye can see is a special privilege indeed.  It really is quite a sight, depending on whether your timing is impeccable, of course. Unfortunately, on this particular journey, we just caught the tail end of the show as there were fewer flowers to woo us than in years past.  However, dotted about here and there were dazzling orange poppies, California's state flower, punctuating the green hills and pastures.  Nature certainly knows how to put on a spectacle in spring, no matter the color.

Chronica Domus
Grapevines and green hills everywhere you look
Photo: Chronica Domus


Meandering along the tree lined highways dotted with wineries and neat rows of grapevines, one felt an overwhelming sense of pleasure that everything was right with the world.  How could it not be?  This is truly one of the most spectacularly picturesque places in the entire Bay Area, a place already saturated with much natural beauty; a jewel polished off with a favorable climate, world-class viticulture, exceptional culinary experiences attained through sensitive agricultural practices, and picture perfect towns.  This must surely be what Eden on earth looks like.  Well, at least in this corner of the world certainly.

Chronica Domus
The exterior of Bouchon housed in an historic brick building
Photo: Chronica Domus


Approaching 1 p.m., with warnings from grumbling tummies, we stopped for lunch in Yountville, a little town that is home to a rather large star of the restaurant world.  Our destination on this occasion was Bouchon, Thomas Keller's little bistro, just a few minutes walk from his other more famous landmark restaurant, The French Laundry.  You may already know of Mr. Keller as he has received some of the highest accolades awarded to any American chef, and his restaurants, including New York's Per Se, are perennial favorites on the world's top restaurant lists.

Bouchon, opened in 1998, is Mr. Keller's little Parisian-esque outpost where one can dine very well on honest French bistro fare, served at either lunch or dinner, without enduring months of wait for a table (I hear there is a six month lead time for dinner reservations at The French Laundry).  On this occasion, we were fortunate to have been seated within a few minutes of our arrival, with no prior reservation, at an already packed restaurant.

Chronica Domus
The beautiful zinc-lined bar displaying a selection of the day's Fruits de Mer
Photo: Chronica Domus


Bouchon is housed within a brick building constructed in the 19th century, and is fronted by an outdoor seating area, of which many diners chose to take advantage.  The indoor dining room is flooded by a profusion of natural light that streams through the floor-to-ceiling casement windows and by the multitude of mirrors lining the walls. At the center, the space is anchored by an enormous lush potted palm. Our table was located besides the palm which afforded us an excellent view of the lively and energetic comings and goings of the busy dining room.  A very attractive zinc-lined bar, stocked with the usual top shelf spirits and a variety of locally produced wines, dominates the corner opposite the entrance. The bar also doubles as a showcase for tempting marine treats on offer. So, if oysters, lobsters, crabs, mussels, and shrimp are your thing, you've no doubt come to the right place.

Chronica Domus
The enormous potted palm reaches for the ceiling
Photo: Chronica Domus


For us, every successful lunch begins with a round of refreshing gee and tees, and that is precisely what we ordered to kick off the proceedings.  Our daughter, of course, is not yet of drinking age so appropriately chose a suitable beverage befitting her years.  Wisely, we decided against ordering a second round of gee and tees, as we were, after all, in the heart of wine country and would have hated to forgo the opportunity of sampling a great locally produced white or red with our meal.  How funny to think back to the days before moving to America when I was completely in the dark about California's world-class wines.  My family in England always favored wines from France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, so I had foolishly assumed anything beyond the old world would be of no match. So, it was with much joy and pleasure that I discovered the delights of the Napa Valley, just a short distance from my new home, through the numerous tastings at wineries over the years. The region has produced wine since the 1850's and is now considered one of the premiere wine regions of the world.

Chronica Domus
Gee and tee at the ready, menu to hand, and crusty pain d'epi to munch upon
Photo: Chronica Domus


Bouchon's menus are printed on brown paper and are to be found at each place setting, folded over the fresh cloth napkins.  Our efficient and friendly waiter, traditionally dressed in a long white apron, black waistcoat and tie, was quick to point out the day's specials, one of which immediately caught our attention. The menu is seasonally focused, but the backbone of bistro fare dominates; steak frites, steak tartare, escargot, duck confit, salads, vegetable dishes, and soups.

As asparagus is currently at its peak, sourced locally from the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta, we ordered the salade d'asperges which looked very artful as it arrived on its plate, accompanied by a melange of spring vegetables in a light vinaigrette.  Perfectly tender yet still crisp, it was a delicious start to our luncheon.

Chronica Domus
A picture perfect presentation of asparagus
Photo: Chronica Domus


My husband and daughter rather fancied the coddled eggs, one of the special dishes of the day, and who could blame them.  It must have been a popular choice among today's hungry diners because as soon as our order was taken, the waiter erased it from the slate of specials.  I enjoy a good decadent egg dish and this one had me wavering between it and the trout. Served in little iron lidded cocottes, the eggs were faultlessly cooked, bathed in rich cream, fresh herbs, spinach, mushrooms, and chunks of Maine lobster, with a surprise bread-like pastry bottom.  I could not help but swipe a few bites from my daughter who enjoyed the dish immensely and has developed quite a mature palate for a twelve year old.

Chronica Domus
Sublimely prepared coddled eggs with Maine lobster, spinach and mushrooms
Photo: Chronica Domus


I selected the slightly less calorific rainbow trout with haricots verts and toasted almonds in brown butter, and immediately counteracted the effects of my somewhat healthy choice with an order of pommes frites.  How do those elegant French ladies stay so stick-slim I wonder? The accompanying aioli did not help my cause, but oh my heavens, how delicious it all was!

Delectably fresh trout heaped with haricots verts and toasted almonds
Photo: Chronica Domus


Carafes for water and wine stand to attention in their ice buckets
Photo: Chronica Domus


Of course, no French diner would think it civilized to dine sans a glass or two of wine, and here in the heart of wine country, we were spoilt for choice.  Both French and local wines were offered so we opted for the local experience with a refreshing glass of Hartwell's sauvignon blanc, and a nicely polished zinfandel blend produced by Ridge Vineyards.  Both choices were perfect accompaniments to our meals.

In hindsight, we all agreed that perhaps we should have dismissed the thought of dessert and settled for coffee.  When given the option, however, we weakened rather swiftly and ordered profiteroles, which resembled little French berets atop ice cream balls (more Americanized than French), and a divinely zippy tarte citron.

Chronica Domus
A perfect ending: Lashings of rich chocolate sauce drizzled over profiteroles
Photo: Chronica Domus


Chronica Domus
A refreshingly zesty tarte citron
Photo: Chronica Domus


What a relaxing time we were having ensconced in an establishment that could have just as easily been situated on the Left Bank were it not for the inimitable tell-tale California sunlight illuminating the room. Sitting here, sipping our coffee and reminiscing over lovely past lunches shared in the bistros of Paris, made us yearn to once again visit that grandest of cities in the spring.

If you find yourself in the beautiful and serene Napa Valley and are hankering for exquisitely prepared and deliciously tasty French food, do give Bouchon a try.  Mr. Keller has done an admirable job of incorporating the best of the region's abundant farm-to-table ingredients into classic French bistro cuisine.  Oh, and you could always take home dessert (as we probably should have), from the bistro's bakery right next door.  You will easily locate it. Just follow the winding queue and wait patiently to be served the perfect slice of tarte, a crusty pan d'epi, or a croissant or two.  Bon appétit!

Nota bene: I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog.  I do so because I enjoy them.  If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.

20 comments:

  1. Goodness, those pictures are fabulous. Am emerald with envy especially as I am rumbling with hunger at my desk. What a treat!

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    1. Yes, I know what you mean. When I was looking through the pictures last night before posting, I was thinking I could have gobbled up the entire lunch all by myself. It was truly that delish!

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  2. Heavens! I feel like I have just devoured the most fantastic virtual meal of all times!

    I have always wanted to go to Bouchon. Unfortunately my daughter no longer lives in San Francisco so the possibility of a visit is not good. However I do have the cookbook, a slight consolation. Do you know how much I love profiteroles? They would be the dessert of choice on my "what would you have for your last meal" category.

    Your daughter certainly has a sophisticated taste for her age. My son's favorite food at age six was artichokes with hollandaise sauce. It still is and he is now 40. How lucky of you to live so close to paradise. I would be there every weekend.

    Please go again soon and give us another tour. It's been the best post I've read in a long time. Now I need a nap.

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    1. Lindaraxa, the best thing about virtual meals is they are calorie free!
      I hope you one day make the journey out west (perhaps with your daughter as a special treat). There are many delicious culinary experiences awaiting you.

      Profiteroles, well, what more can I add, other than I'll fight you for the last one. I prefer mine with creme though (I'd not seen them done with ice cream until moving to The States).

      I believe it is so important to introduce real food to children at an early age (as you did with your son). How else will they appreciate vegetables in adulthood, for example? Forget those awful kiddie menus, a pet peeve of mine (chicken nuggets, burgers, hot dogs, no veggies - yuck!). At six, I recall my daughter ordering (at a fancy hotel restaurant), a seaweed salad, lobster ravioli, and a lime panna cotta. The waitress was floored and told us that my daugher's future date would be in trouble - hilarious!

      So glad you enjoyed the post, and yes, we shall return and will probably take dessert to go.

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  3. Great recommendation - I'll be in that area in a week for my vacation and will definitely check this out!

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    1. Hello AD, I do hope you can get to Bouchon on your visit. You won't be disappointed! I'd also recommend, while in San Francisco, a dinner at Boulevard, my favorite restaurant, and one that I was in just last Saturday evening. The food there is mouthwateringly good. I should write a post on it as I'm making myself hungry.

      Enjoy your trip!

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    2. OMG. yes, Boulevard is a must. Possibly my favorite restaurant in SF I'm getting palpitations...

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  4. That all looks heavenly. My very favorite restaurant here in Chicago is Le Bouchon a quite small ground floor of a vintage townhouse spot tucked away in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. It's charming, cozy, and makes you want to never leave. Their food is divine but I usually haven't the discipline to venture beyond their steak frites which is out of this world
    **Silly me intended to post a comment not flood your email inbox.

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    1. Hello GSL, and welcome to the blog. I am honored you've made an appearance, especially as you come bearing recommendations of tasty French cuisine in Chicago, a place I have yet to visit. Le Bouchon sounds just as alluring as Bouchon. You must, however, challenge yourself and go beyond the steak frites occasionally. I really don't think you can go wrong with French food.

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  5. Alas, being a million miles away in the borderline outback of Dubbo, I shall just have to savour the flavours of Bouchon vicariously. I can't believe the 6 month wait at The French Laundry! David.

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    1. Hello David,

      I can't quite believe the six month wait either. I like my meals a little more spontaneously planned, but do understand the need for reservations to some degree, but not half year ahead!

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  6. I have a British friend who poo-poos New World wines, thinking rather snobbishly, (and stupidly in my opinion) that wines from France or Italy are the only players in the game. I've always wanted to do a Napa tour, but think I'd have to take the chauffeur to be able to enjoy the wine, and get safely home. Your menu does sound delicious, but before seeing the photo I had in mind coddled eggs such as I make at home in the rather tiny coddlers (made by the likes of Royal Doulton). For me nowadays I eat like a sparrow, (because I've trained myself), so I rarely have more than one course at dinner, (and lunch is usually lighter!). The fish sounds right up my alley.

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    1. I think your British friend should take a little saunter around the Napa wineries and then he'll be better qualified to form his opinion on new world wines. I recall many years ago passing by the wine department at Fortnum & Mason where I noticed they had stocked up on several of the Napa area wines. Now if that bastion of good food and beverage is selling it, surely it must taste good.

      Your idea of a chauffeur tour of the wineries is a wonderful idea and is popular in the valley (there is also a special wine train). Sip and enjoy, with no worry of finding one's way home.

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  7. What a lovely time you had!

    Several years ago my ex and I were visiting an old friend in Las Vegas. Our friend had kindly made reservations at Bouchon's sister restaurant, also "Bouchon"...the same paper menu and proper waiters...

    At the end of the meal a cake was delivered to the table with "Sarge" written on it (my friend's nickname for me). And that was not all...he had arranged for a tour of the kitchen wherein the entire staff had lined up and said, "Happy birthday, Sarge!"

    Thank you for bringing back such a special memory!

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    1. Hello J.W.,

      I was not aware that Bouchon had a sister restaurant. Obviously, you can't keep a good thing down for long. What a very special birthday memory you have of your visit there, especially as you got to go "behind the scenes". Adore your nickname. How did you earn that?

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    2. The nickname comes from a time in my youth when I was an enlisted woman in the Marine Corps.

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  8. Hi Chronica, there is also a Thomas Keller Bouchon in Beverly Hills, tucked away on a secondary street (Canon) and opening to a lush courtyard. And it is wonderful.

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  9. Well my goodness, Mr. Keller has been busy opening another Bouchon outpost. I am happy to hear it too is wonderful.

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  10. Hello:

    Alas, we are frightfully late for this splendid luncheon but what an absolute treat it sounds to have been. Bouchon looks to be exactly our kind of restaurant where well cooked, imaginative food is prepared and served without fuss or pretension yet in the most attractive of surroundings.

    The Napa Valley, which sadly we have never visited, looks to be wonderful somewhere which it would be such a joy to visit. We are both strong advocates of Californian wine and really welcome the monopoly which the French had in our younger days has somewhat been broken for no other reason than it has opened the vineyards of the world to a much wider audience and in this way, or so we feel, we all benefit.

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance,

      So glad you agree that Californian wines are worthy of drinking. For that matter, have you tried other new world wines, from Australia, for example? I've had some very good ones from down under that were indeed very memorable.

      I recall visiting the Loire Valley on a school trip in my youth and sampling wines at the chateaux we visited. How funny to think that here in California, the legal age for drinking is 21.

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