Yesterday we flew to LA for a short weekend which we have chosen to
call our "funnymoon," short for a family honeymoon. After our marriage
last weekend (even though we have been together 17-1/12 years it is
FINALLY legal to marry in DC!), we decided to bring Samuel on short
break over Columbus Day to sun and warm California.
As it was late on our body clocks, we headed next door to our hotel in
Beverly Hills to the LA branch of the famous Napa Valley bistro
BOUCHON. When Bouchon opened in Yountville years ago, you couldn't get
in, but last night there was plenty of room in the Beverly Hills
elegant location (235 N. Canon Drive), although when we changed our
reservation from 6:30pm to 7:00pm they told us we would have to be
moved to the Champagne Room, which sounded fine to us. This small room
is adorable with marble tables and a great French bistro feel, glass
doors all open to an outdoor patio and a quiet feel as well. It was
hard to get the server's attention, but once we appeared needy, all
went well. We were tired, but wanted to have a nice meal as it was
also Will's birthday.
Superb warm bread, butter and some pistachio nuts arrived, Sam got his
Ginger Ale and we ordered a bottle of BREZEME from Eric Texier
"Domaine de Pergualt" Vieilles Vignes 2007 which was a wonderful wine
that had lots of floral nose and essence, but also mineral hints and
just a lot going for it as a true French terrior can offer.
Someone brought out a large plate of marinated olives (with yummy
roasted garlic, too) and said it was complementary from the chef (I
bet everyone gets this!), but they were great.
Will opted for the RAIE a la Grenobloise, a large portion of superb
SKATE WING with Fingerling Potatoes, Caramelized Cauliflower, Lemon
Supremes, Capers, Parsley & Brioche Croutons. I opted for two
starters:
Beignets de BRANDADE which were tasty crisp fired puffs filled with a
superb COD BRANDADE that was more fish than rich cream and simply
perfect sitting on a disc of Tomato Confit with a piece of Fried Sage
on top of each of the 3 beignets. I had recalled the superb rillettes
from the Napa location years ago and went for the Plat de Cotes de
BOEUF PRESSE which was a crispy beef short rib rillettes with a small
crispy crust and served with Roasted BEETS (yellow and purple), celery
branch & leaves and served over a mild Horseradish Cream. It was one
of the most perfect bistro dishes I can recall.
Samuel had a huge portion of fries (don't let them get cold) and a
small plate of two beef sliders (mini burgers) that were perfectly
cooked and oh so tasty.
We decided to skip dessert as we were exhausted, but the staff knew it
was a birthday and brought out a small and wondrous plate with candle.
Featured were two small BOUCHONS or slightly molten chocolate cakes on
a bed of Banana Creme Anglaise with Malt Ice Cream. I had a glass of
house Cotes du Rhones Red (Catherine du Goeuil) which was mediocre
while Will enjoyed a martini before we all headed back next door at
9pm to crash!
