Bouchon

03/29/09

You need to go all-out to have a good experience

by dmenkes at Citysearch

We decided to eat here with another couple on a Sunday night as a last-minute thing; no reservations. There weren't any tables inside available but we were able to be seated at the patio. The weather was wonderful and we were served immediately. We started with the Petit Plateau but a whole lobster along with giant prawns and 3 different types of oysters; all amazing. I had the steak frites which was decent if not a bit underwhelming. The fries were some of the best I've ever had anywhere. The wine pairing was pretty good--nothing that blew my mind. I actually really enjoyed dessert: a scoop of vanilla bean and a scoop of honey ice cream which were both excellent. I'm a bit confused as to this place being labeled as the "sister" restaurant to the French Laundry--we ate there a few weeks ago and Bouchon is more like a distant relative who calls you to ask for a personal loan than a sister. Don't get me wrong--this place was pretty good; but it's not even remotely in the same league as French Laundry. $75/person with drinks here.

• Pros: raw bar, fries!
• Cons: pricey for the quality

02/03/09

Feels like France

by feelingsunshine at Citysearch

Overall I would say the restaurant is very good. Attractive and attentive staff, but it was lunch and busy, but as a customer I had the feeling the staff didn't really want to be there.

The food was what to be expected.. no complaints. I have been to some great restaurants in France, and the steak I ordered seemed prepared more in the American Style than the French Style.

The fries took up most of the plate, I have never seen anything like it. I think such an enormous portion was for affect. My friend, who happens to be American, pointed out that in Europe, one would never see a portion so outrageous. As, i said, I think it was for the affect. The steak was a little rubbery and sitting next to the mountain of fries, appeared a little lonely.

I read another reviewers comment about flies, however this is the Napa Valley, and the restuarant has open windows, and this didn't bother me at all. I was enjoying a wonderful French Meal in the country side.

• Pros: Elegant and breezy atmosphere.
• Cons: food could have been better...

01/19/09

Excellent all around

by montereydiver at Citysearch

My husband, 21 month old daughter and I all visited Bouchon for lunch over the Holiday break. We'd heard good things about it and had high expectations being that it's sister the French Laundry is world renown. Arrived on time for our reservation, and happy that we had one. There was a long list of walk-ins hoping to get a table. We were seated promptly.

We immediately felt as if we had been transported back to a bistro in France. The interior was inviting and energetic. Our service was attentive and our appetizers were excellent. They also brought out our daughter's meal with our appetizers which was a stroke of genius. My pate was delicious and my husband's duck confit excellent. Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her buttered pasta made to order ;)

My husband and I ordered the steak and pomme frites (fries) and both were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The french fries were insanely delicious and I would go back in a flash.

We also ordered dessert - I forgot what my husband had because I was in heaven with my profiteroles. Yes we rolled out of there but we were more than satisfied with the excellent experience.

The wine list is not inexpensive nor is the food, but this is not somewhere where you go to pinch pennies. I would recommend this restaurant to any of my friends.

• Pros: Authentic food and environment
• Cons: Hard to get reservations for dinner, limited seating