Location: 10 Columbus Circle
Time: 12:30pm
People: FA and myself
Feelings: I often go to Bouchon Bakery for occasional macarons or sandwiches, but I have never dined at their cafe, located in Times Warner Center just below Per Se (another Thomas Keller's venture). Of course Bouchon is not nearly as expensive as Per Se, but most of the lunch dishes such as quiche, salads and soup are all around $15-$20. The desserts go up around $10--quite a high price for a place that is supposed to be Mr. Keller's affordable restaurant project. The cafe does not take any reservations, so make sure to go a bit early since it gets rather crowded during the lunch hour with business lunch crowds and tourists alike.
My salmon tartare salad was fresh and carefully executed, but it was on a smaller side, and the bread was ridiculously hard to the point it was inedible. The server said it was supposed to be hard, but I don't think I was ready to lose another tooth.
For dessert, Chocolate Bouchons ($8.75, three small dark chocolate brownies with hazelnut praline ice cream, praline cremeux & shortbread crumble) was decadently rich and satisfying. I was thankful that the portion of the salad was so small that I could enjoy the dessert fully. If you always wanted to have a scrumptious dessert for lunch, Bouchon Bakery would be an ideal spot.
I personally prefer their quick and easy (and cheaper) take out bakery section with an ample dessert selection, but the cafe of Bouchon Bakery provides a solid experience with an exceptional, almost robotic service and light fare.
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