BOUCHON - A PLEASANT TRIP TO BEVERLY HILLS

A recent lunch at Thomas Keller's BOUCHON BISTRO in Beverly Hills turned out to be a very pleasant experience. Even though I don't care much for the overly sleek buildings like the one Bouchon set up its operation , the interior of the bistro was elegant in a nice way, lacking every tackiness, which had a lot to do with it not trying to be French, but rather be inspired by it and admitting to be Beverly Hills. Also, my friend and I felt in good hands with the outstandingly knowledgeable staff. Those guys really know their stuff. Since I wasn't extremely hungry, I settled for a salad and a soup. What can I say? It was perfect. The Watercress & Endive Salad with Roquefort, toasted Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing, was extremely fresh and crunchy, the dressing enrobed the greens in just the right amount and the walnuts complemented the salad in with sprinkles of earthy, intense flavors. The highlight, though, was the velvety pumpkin soup. I have rarely eaten a soup so well rounded - sweet and savory, very smooth and a little meaty, substantial and almost volatile at the same time. The seasoning was absolutely perfect - not a grain of salt of pepper too much or too little. I will definitely go back, not only because of the food, but because it's the perfect place for feeling special.

COOKING FOR LOVE

I had the privilege of attending the “Savor the Season” 2010 event on Sunday commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, hosted by “Break the Cycle”, a national organization working to end teen dating violence. Their motto ‘Cooking for Love’ is absolutely wonderful. Cooking and sharing a meal is, in my opinion, one of the best ways the show love and to strengthen people, families and communities. A German proverb says “Liebe geht durch den Magen” - the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. How true! The event featured Los Angeles chefs, among them Stefan Richter (Stefan’s at L.A. Farm), Susan Feniger (STREET), Gloria Felix (Reservoir), Paul Rosenbluh (Firefly Bistro) and Todd Barrie (Upstairs2), who served a couple tapas-style dishes at individual stands. I skipped the word “top” before Los Angeles chefs, as the invitation stated. Yes, I am going to be bitchy again. Even though is was fun to roam through the fair-like event, taste a little here and a little there, the dishes served were mostly disappointing. I didn’t feel the passion and love that ‘Cooking for Love’ promised. Rather, I was confronted with blandness, soullessness and little mastery. I am concerned that many Angelenos actually think that chefs like Susan Feniger and Stefan Richter are “top”. Truth is, they would never stand the test if they competed with top chefs in New York, San Francisco or Chicago, and they would utterly fail on an international level. Los Angeles, if you have any intention of becoming a serious food city, you will have to raise the bar and become more demanding.