Bouchon Restaurant

If you are looking for a livelier crowd, with the charisma of an urban-French chic restaurant and a tasty twist on authentic French food, this place is a great choice. I love the atmosphere here— it retains all the charm of a classy French bistro, without divulging in over-the-top frills and pretentiousness sometimes seen in French-style restaurants.

Famed French Laundry Chef Thomas Keller first introduced Bouchon in 1998 as a stylish café reminiscent of those from the province of Lyon. Today, the seasonal menu selections change throughout the year, while it retains popular signature dishes like roast chicken and leg of lamb.

For a recent dinner, I started with the watercress and endive salad with Roquefort, Fuji apples, toasted walnuts, and walnut vinaigrette ($11.75). Although traditional and small portioned, all ingredients were still perfectly balanced. As a main course the sautéed gnocchi with vegetables ($23.50) was delightful. The gnocchi was not weighed down by a heavy sauce or over-seasoning, and resulted in a lighter take on a traditionally heavier dish.

Other menu options include poached salmon with horseradish panade and garden vegetables ($31.00), Braised pork shoulder with roasted pumpkin, glazed pears and Swiss chard ($32.50), and roasted leg of lamb with flageolet bean and thyme jus ($31.00).

For dessert, I sampled the profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce ($9.50) and the Sorbet de Fruits ($5.50), both tasted airy and freshly made. With obvious reason, I see why some people prefer to visit Bouchon as a night cap for dessert and drinks—and to soak up the atmosphere.

Chefs around the Valley rely on the baked goods created at Bouchon Bakery. This small bakery—located just outside of Bouchon restaurant—is usually packed with people waiting to order confections, croissants, tarts, breads and coffee. Just as these are staples of Parisian daily life, so have they become a part of the lives of the Yountville locals and visitors. www.bouchonbistro.com

Written by Karen