Beverly Hills: Bouchon (BBE Edition)

Having successfully replicated the Thomas Keller's Favorite Simple Roast Chicken, without going as far as the French Laundry, it’s been on my top list to experience the offering from one of the best chefs in America. BlackBoardEats broke the ice and provided this unique opportunity with the three course prie fixe menu at Bouchon Los Angeles.




It was the last day of the BBE special and the space was filled with all the last minute crowd. The menu was simple - for each course, there were only two options: white Viognier or red Pinot Noir, for instance. The French bread with the herbed butter was so good that we did not care what was coming next and wolfed it down to the last bit of crumbs.




The forest mushroom soup was earthy and creamy with a good amount of seasonings. The red wine vinaigrette dressed mixed green salad paired fairly well with the warm goat cheese crouton. The soup was the winner in the first round.




For the main course, a pan seared salmon filet with confit of citrus, compressed cucumber, heirloom radish, pearl onions and citrus vierge, was light, refreshing and appealing. Equally easy on the eye, the glazed pork belly was savory and ultra tender. The pole beans with mustard-scented pork jus added an interesting overall texture to the dish.



Both the chocolate ice cream and the caramel pudding were more on the sweet side. The flavors were rich and fulfilling. Assorted jellies, nuts and cookies treats were served (on the house) while waiting for the bill. The service was excellent throughout the night. While there was no signs of Keller’s presence, Bouchon BBE was a good starting point, a good deal and a good meal.



Bouchon
bouchonbistro.com | 235 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 - map | (310) 271-9910

nanoBites - Alhambra: A&J Bakery

Why it will catch your eye: Hole-in-wall hidden gem bakery with daily changing menu.
Why it belongs in your mouth: Fresh, tasty health-minded offerings throughout the store.
Why it may blow your mind: The bento box that tastes like mom made it with love can be purchased at $5.5 on the go.



A&J Bakery
yelp.com | 1300 E Main St Ste 102 Alhambra, CA 91801 - map | (626) 282-5436

nanoBites - Gardena: Sakae Sushi

Why it will catch your eye: portable, reasonable and durable sushi from a nostalgic
Why it belongs in your mouth: California cut roll with real shrimp. No imitations.
Why it may blow your mind: fully customizable menu; order only one piece if your on a strict diet. (don't do that, please)



Sakae Sushi
yelp.com | 1601 W Redondo Beach Blvd Ste 112 Gardena, CA 90247 - map | (310) 532-4550

Downtown LA: Border Grill

If the funky lively fonts and drawings on the walls of Border Grill didn’t lure you, perhaps the idea of a restaurant co-chef/owned by two top chef master contestants would push you over the edge. Not to mention the foods served here are nothing short of bold flavors.



The first time we were seated around the bar area that’s dim and intimate.



Hot chips and friendly service were nice. For the starter, Baja Ceviche ($11.5), lime marinated sustainable seasonal seafood tasted light and vibrant with cilantro, jalapeño, tomato, and avocado sitting on top of the crispy handmade corn tortilla. An instant favorite and an easy share for two.



As the main entree, Yucatan Pork ($20), a shareable plate of the tender achiote pork roasted in banana leaves played well with the orange, caramelized onion, plantains & guacamole. It was a enjoyable combination of sweet and savory flavors.



In a short re-visit, we were seated in the main dining area that’s spacey and lively. The chips may have been hotter with the very same prompt service. The Grilled Pear and Endive Salad ($9.75), consisted of spiced pistachios, cabrales blue cheese, pickled jalapeño, watercress and dressed with chipotle honey vinaigrette. The honey roasted corn tied the whole dish together.



Wild Mushroom Quesadilla ($14.50), stuffed with epazote, manchego, panela, cotija cheeses. Although the dish lacked the wow factor, the mizuna salad was a good added touch with the earthy mushroom quesadilla.



The Grilled Skirt Steak ($26.50), can be described as many perfectly medium grilled, well rested and seasoned mouth watering tender bites. With seemly typical sides like charred corn relish, avocado tomato salad and black beans, it is the top chef master’s touch that made them so simple yet so tasty and memorable.



Border Grill is borderline Mexican meets American comfort food. Simple ingredients with big flavors should have no problem earning some repeated visits.

Border Grill
www.bordergrill.com | 445 S Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90071 - map | menu | (213) 486-5171