Ok, I admit to being a little frazzled by the end of the day. The whole New York expectation that you keep on moving and doing something ever second of the day, I think it got to me a bit.

So to settle the nerves I decided it was time for a ‘local’ homemade meal. At home in NZ there is this concept of purchasing foodstuffs that have originated within 100 miles of where you live. So I thought to myself, well how about purchasing goods within 10 blocks from here I live (happy compromise). So, I found a pumpkin and dried porcini mushrooms at Balducci’s, fresh ricotta cheese at Murray’s Cheese and a bottle of Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc from the wine store next to Joes the Art of Coffee.

And just for those of you (Tim) who like to know that I am eatting well, here is the leftover just drying so I can have my handmade pumpkin, ricotta and porcini rovioli for dinner tomorrow night as well (sorry consumed the wine … oops).

Categories: New York
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Nah it was terrible, you should avoid it like the plague, food horrible, service horrible, over-priced … you should head somewhere down the road to be safe, I think there is a Dunkin Donut !!!

If only people believed this - it would mean easier access for me. Alas I am speaking through a hole in my rear-end. Instead I must tell you that Bouchon was a slice of comfort-food heaven. A dream come true to think that you, yes you Average Joe/tte could choose to enjoy this food every day. Mr Keller you Rock for opening this place, it was everything I was hoping for.

The understated nature of the place begins with it being a little difficult to find. Buried on level 3 of the Time Warner Center, in passing you may have mistaken it for an open dinner in a mall serving burgers and fries. No real signage, until your eye catches a tiny almost business-card sign on the reception podium. A little more common sense would have given it away, it was the only eattery that was packed with people.

So funny, everyone is standing at the podium outside looking at the menu, deciding if they should go in (this is another American quirk) … I rocked on past and asked for seating for 1. I got the last space in the restaurant, the podium standers looked annoyed, I ignored their evil-eyes. They have a large communal table for those coming alone, which seriously increases the odds of being seated quickly (and why would you want to talk to anyone here, the food and service is more than enough to keep you engrossed).

I sat at the marble bar, had a fresh glass of iced tea poured for me, a plaited bread roll arrived and then the menu. Simple and to the point is the theme. Great sandwiches, great soups, even a foie gras terrine if you wanted. Yet for me, having made it a few times myself, I simply couldn’t resist the Leek and Rochefort Quiche … this stuff is what sin is made of, velvet and heady trappist cheese custard perfectly set, seriously it was like having sex in public (ummmm no comment). I savoured every bite. And the staff were just charming, I mean Napa kind of charming, they smiled, they knew the menu, they adored the food they were serving. And you know, it’s so nice to have water served in a chilled mini carafe … that’s what its about, attention to detail.

I tugged on the plate at they took it away … but I know it had to end. I thought of stealing some of the guys potted salmon and brioche next to me, but I can’t afford to be barred from here. I paid my $15 (yes you read correctly, $15 for what has to have been the best find in the city to date, and the cheapest public sex ever!). And I smiled inside.

And just to show how much Mr Keller cares, the menu also has something to take away for your awaiting canine companion … baked foie gras crackers (hahaha I almost got some for myself as a bedtime snack).

PS: if the seating part of the eattery is full, wander on 30 paces and there is the boulangerie, where you can collect your Keller sandwich or fresh pastery … mm mmm mmmm.

Categories: New York
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Ok, so I have an obsession (admittedly a large one) for Thomas Keller. The French Laundry was seriously one of the best food experiences I have ever had, Bouchon (Napa) made me realise what Bistro could really be, and today … well today, I am off to discover his quick-and-easy Bouchon Bakery in NY (Time Warner Center - 10 Columbus Circle).

I see he has the quiche on the menu - which I confess is the creamiest melt in your mouth thing, smoother than a smooth thing (well the one I make from his recipes is - so I expect his is as well). Mmmmm and if he has the lemon sabayon available today I will be a weekend convert.
It’s a funny thing reading review websites (current favourite: www.citysearch.com). Sounds like some New Yorkers expect to be wowed more than they deserve - some didn’t feel Thomas Keller wowed them enough with flavours or originality. Well, so be it, all the more room for me when I arrive in 30 minutes. Perfectly executed food is the art you should be in awe of, not crappy complex flavours that kill the simple beauty of food made with passion.

I will report back.

Categories: New York
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