Back to Bistro Bouchon

Dec 16th, 2013 Jayne Pearce Consume & Educate

We can’t seem to get enough of this French restaurant in Yountville, Napa and this time we invited the kids and the in-laws also. We were keen to get there at the allocated reservation time and no later as our previous visit involved a stressful ten minute late arrival and temporary loss of table.

We were punctual to the minute at 6.30pm and greeted with our smiling waiter and a inclusive, round table fit for a family celebration. We were slotted perfectly in the center of the already buzzing bistro with an interesting-looking oyster bar off to the side. With high ceilings and a traditionally French color scheme of custard and red wine, I felt suitably semi-immersed in everything French - that is - except for the language and some tedious background escalator music. The menu did not disappoint though and I headed straight for the East and West coast (huîtres) oysters  with a crémant de Limoux brut followed by the Moules à la Basquaise with the Flowers Chardonnay 2011 Sonoma Coast. The oak of the chardonnay was enough to add enough depth for the chorizo while working well with other meals on the table including the Sole Véronique, Gigot d’Agneau (lamb) and the Truite Poêlée (trout). When in France I always have to go for the obligatory Créme brûlée. From our previous visit I knew this delectable dish was also on the large side so I did a share and it tasted even better. As an aside, I  think food sharing makes any food taste better. Why is that? Bouchon once again did it for me although it’s generally not cheap and you do need to reserve well in advance. The 2001 Chef of the Year by Time magazine winner Thomas Keller took ownership of this popular place back in 1998 after his claim on the mighty Michelin starred French laundry - also in Yountville - a few years before. Is it any surprise my only complaint is the background music and a centrally-placed yet invasive palm plant that could do with a trim?

JambiP rating (out of 5):

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