Some restaurants, when you imagine visiting them, can only be seen as absolute perfection. From the lighting, to the plating, to the tastes, it seems nothing could be better. Many times, these restaurants remain a dream.
Since receiving Thomas Keller’s cookbook, Bouchon, for my birthday a couple years ago, I have longed to go to his restaurant. So, when Brad and I planned our trip to California, I knew this had to be one of the stops we would make.
After months of anticipation, the night finally arrived. The sun was just beginning to set and it cast a warm, gold light on the Merlot colored awning. It was beautiful.
We were seated just outside the glass french doors to the patio. Our menus were neatly folded around our napkins and within 2 minutes of being seated, 2 glasses of sparkling wine from Domain Chandon were brought to our table.
Next, we enjoyed some fresh baked bread. It was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Perfection.
For our first course, I ordered the mixed greens salad with warm goat cheese and herb vinagrette…
Brad ordered the creamy golden beet soup with black pepper creme fraiche and toasted hazelnuts.
In his cookbook, Thomas Keller says one of his favorite meals is steak frites. How could I resist but to order his favorite? So, I did. Medium rare deliciousness with fabulously fried potatoes. Paired with a Robert Sinskey Merlot, it was amazing!
Brad ordered the roast chicken with ratatouille. It was a beautiful dish and tasted even better than it looked. Bright, herby, comforting flavors that made us feel like we were sitting in a French bistro in Paris. Lovely!
Dessert was just as amazing, if not more so, than the rest of our meal. Brad had chocolate Bouchons with hazelnut ice-cream, candied cashews and dulce de leche chip. Decadent and rich. Brad couldn’t even finish it!
I had the lemon tart. It was light and airy and tasted of sweet, tart California lemons.
Just as I had imagined it. This restaurant experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will not soon forget. I’m so glad I have the cookbook so I can recreate Thomas Keller’s wonderful flavors on my own!
I love the Bouchon Cookbook! I use it all the time, and think it is one of the most accessible cookbooks perceived as inaccessible due to the authors name. I have yet to visit the restaurant myself, but delight in looking at the price point on the website and knowing I can make so many of these delicious dishes on my own.
I love this blog. It doesn’t help that it’s almost 6 PM and I’m still at work and very hungry!!!
It’s a beautiful blog. The writing is excellent. The photos are perfection. Good job!
And just so the whole world knows, I’m the mom who gave her the cookbook for her birthday. Big pat on MY back.
Thanks! Glad you liked it. And yes, you do deserve a big pat on the back
Very cool, how neat is that to have the cookbook and then get to the restaurant, sounds like an absolutely wonderful time with the weather, and everything working in your favor.
Oysterculture: It was a very unique experience having the book first. I loved it!
OMG. i am drooling beyond belief looking at all these photos. you’re killin’ me, just killin’ me! btw – your mom is hilarious!
kissmyspatula: Thanks for the comment! It was an amazing meal as you can probably tell… And my mom will certainly appreciate your noticing that she can be quite funny!
Looks absolutely delicious. I would have definitely opted for the steak frite as well!
Dear Rachael!
Greetings!
Seems to be a great place, even adorned with heaters for guests sitting outsie!
Now, have you ever heard of the Bouchon resturants in Lyon? That’s where they originate from. Now I would like to know: Bouchons,in true tradition, have their kitchen looked after by the wife and the “salle” by the husband!
I don’t suppose that Thomas Keller is hermaphrodite? LOL
take good care of yourself(ves)!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
Okay, I admit it; this one made me drool.
I’m not kidding. Drool!