Bouchon was packed. Not one table was empty at 6:30. We started with 2 glasses of champagne (not pictured)
Our server, Austin, was superb.
Island Creek Oysters
Wellfleet Oysters
Wine
Big Eye Tuna, Cornichons, Capers, Nicoise Olives, Haricot Vertes, Fingerling Potatoes, Hard Boiled Egg, Arugula, Gribiche sauce – perfect
Salad of French Laundry Garden Cucumbers with Cherry Tomatoes, Marcona Almonds, Piment d’Espelette Creme Fraiche – again a light and refreshing salad on a hot night
Grilled Octopus and Fresh Summer Bean Salad with Pickled Apricots and Basil Vinaigrette – incredibly tender octopus plus summer bounty on a plate
Snails
Beignet’s de Brandade de Morue – Cod Brandade with Tomato Confit and Fried sage – a heavy, greasy mess – to their credit this was taken off the bill
Church and State’s Beignets de Brandade de Morue, salt cod, saffron aioli – these were light as a feather – no grease, lightly battered with a sauce that was 4 star. Walter should bottle his aioli and sell it. He would make a fortune.
As I mentioned, the service was excellent. In retrospect, I wish I had ordered the charcuterie or one of my all-time favorites the Croque Madame.
The perfect Croque Madame from a visit in 2007.
But, other than the brandade, this was a light refreshing supper on a hot summer night.
Dear Lizzie,
Next time you go to Yountville, please take me along.
Hi, I went to Bouchon Yountville for a light lunch July 22,2009. Unfortunately, the Spinach quiche was the worst I have ever had. It was more a custard with a tiny amount of spinach on top. the crust was soggy and the top was burnt. I hope this was a one time problem. I would very much like to return. Sincerely, Nancy Gershman Santa Rosa