This Month’s Film: Indochine
Cuisine: Vietnamese
The last time I met with my publisher, we discovered that he was going to be in town for my birthday, and I already knew that Rene was going to be working that day, so he asked if I would like to go to the French Laundry for dinner. Well…having been named the world’s best restaurant for several years in a row, who could say no to an offer like that. Little did I know the hoops one must jump through to procure a table at the French Laundry.
It seems that they start taking reservations exactly two months before any given day, so to get a reservation for the 15th of June, I would have had to start speed-dialing my phone at exactly 10 a.m. on the 15th of April in hopes of getting an answer before they booked up the restaurant for that day. Rats, I was just one day late. I called for a reservation on the 16th of April and they had already booked the 15th of June the day before. Somehow I think my odds of winning the Irish sweepstakes are better than my chances of getting a table at the French Laundry on my birthday, or any other day for that matter.
So…we decided to settle for the next best thing…Bouchon. Thomas Keller’s other place, right next door. The ‘Poor Man’s French Laundry’, if you will. Or rather, ‘The Belated Phone Dialer’s French Laundry’. Anyway, I was easily able to get a reservation at Bouchon two months in advance.
We were seated at a narrow table for two, the end table in a row of many along a cushioned banquette. The place hadn’t filled up yet, so we were greeted promptly by our waiter, who served us a plate of sourdough croutons with a puree of white beans and fresh chives. Being my birthday, I was in the mood for something bubbly, so in honor of the occasion, my host ordered two glasses of Veuve Clicquot, my very favorite champagne in all the world.
For the first course, I ordered Salade Maraichere au Chevre Chaud (Mixed Greens with Red Wine Vinaigrette, Warm Goat Cheese, and Herbs de Provence), and for the entree, Gigot d’Agneau (Roasted Leg of Lamb with Yellow Corn Polenta and Summer Squash in Thyme Jus), and a glass of Pinot Noir to go with. My companion ordered Le Potage du Jour (Sweet Corn Chowder) and Steak Frites (Pan-Seared Prime Flatiron with Maitre d’Hotel Butter and French Fries). Every bite was sheer heaven, and for dessert, Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce and a wedge of Lemon Tarte.
Before the first course arrived, I was met with the moment of truth, the presentation of the two manuscripts that I’ve been working on since last November. There’s no feeling like it in the world, especially with a glass of ‘The Widow’ standing by to toast the occasion. Throughout the meal, we discussed a dozen new projects and filled my dance card for the rest of the year.
Having diligently completed two books, I’ve officially declared myself ‘Gone Fishin’ for the remainder of the month. After which, it’s back to the Modal Auxiliary Mines for this gal.
A Call for Chopsticks Click here for details.
