Bouchon Restaurant   

6534 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-8037
www.bouchonbistro.com

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Plenty of Wine Country restuarants emulate the charm of small bistros in Southern France, but Bouchon's brand of chic has an urban feel about it. The bright colors of the country are replaced with gleaming metal, glass and mirrors, and while it still feels French, the room is more Paris than Provence. The menu also salutes Parisian cuisine, and does so with modern sensibilities. Rest assured, you'll always find beloved dishes like croque madame, steak frites, brandade and pot de crme, but you'll also find updated versions with lighter results. Chef Jeffrey Cerciello's reliance on the best seasonal ingredients ensures fresh clean tastes alongside heavier classic dishes. It would be easy for Bouchon to rest on reputation since it was opened by Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. But eat here once and you'll see this restaurant has merits all its own. Besides gorgeous menu selections, guests are encouraged to enjoy their meal in relaxed fashion, whether at a table, the bar or outdoors. And while most of the valley gets sleepy early, you can always enjoy an aperitif here long after most places have closed their doors. -- Jamie Junghans