Sunday, June 8, 2008

California part 1 - Bouchon Bakery

I've been in California for the past week and a half for some R&R and good eats.  There were a couple places that I decided to pull out the camera and nab some pictures of the gorgeous food. I'll start off with Bouchon Bakery in Yountville.  
Seeing as how it's owned by Thomas Keller of The French Laundry fame, I just had to peak my head in and try a couple things.  Since I recently discovered the joy of french macarons, I had to try Bouchon's version.  I picked one of each: chocolate, caramel, vanilla and pistachio ($3.00/ea).  The vanilla was by far the best, speckled throughout with flecks of the bean.  Caramel and pistachio were also delicious, and the chocolate, although my least favourite was still quite good.  I must say I had a better version of the macaron somewhere else in my travels, but I'll save it for another post.
The lemon tart ($5.75) was good, but I found the crust too crumbly.  It was shortbread-like, but as soon as my fork touched it, it turned to a pile of buttery crumbs.  I prefer a more substantial crust I guess.  The other item I picked out was their version of an Oreo Cookie, which I have to say I was a little disappointed in.
The cookie wasn't crisp, but it wasn't chewy either...and the filling definitely left something to be desired.  I have to say I prefer Mr. Christie's!
Bouchon was certainly a charming and cute spot, and I would be happy to return and try some more of their different items.  Preferably with an empty stomach and full wallet.